De Guzman not feeling pressure

Jonathan de Guzman: Confident he can perform in the Premier League

Jonathan de Guzman says he is staying calm about the challenge of replacing Joe Allen in the Swansea midfield.

The Canadian-born Dutchman has arrived at the Liberty Stadium on a season-long loan from Villarreal after being plagued by injury last term.

The 24-year-old previously worked with new Swans boss Michael Laudrup at Getafe and admitted he needed little convincing in making the move to South Wales.

But the pressure on De Guzman to deliver has been ramped up by the sale of Wales international Allen to Liverpool for a £15million fee a week ago.

Allen was one of the star performers as Swansea finished 11th last season, and during pre-season De Guzman has filled the Welshman's role alongside Leon Britton in midfield.

But De Guzman has little doubt he can deliver, as he prepares to make his Premier League debut at Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

"Joe had a very good season last year and I'm filling his shoes, but I don't feel any pressure," he said.

New beginning

"I know what my capabilities are and hopefully I can contribute this season.

"It's going to be very exciting to play a game against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

"I haven't played for more than a season now. I didn't do much at Villarreal, but that's in the past.

"It's a new beginning, I'm starting for the first time in the Premier League and I'm happy to be here."

Swansea earned rave reviews for their passing game last season but it was a solid defence that was the platform for their success and critics suggested they lacked ruthlessness up front.

De Guzman hopes he can make a difference, saying: "I'm a creative player who supplies the passes. Scoring goals is a bonus.

"Myself, Leon and Michu, our job is to get the ball forward to create some chances for the forwards.

"The game is all about scoring and we need to make our mark on the Premier League, and that will be more difficult than last season now everyone knows what Swansea is all about.

"It's not going to be easy, but with the group we have, I think it should be a good season."