100% defensive duel success: The Swansea player that was quietly brilliant against Cardiff

Swansea City ran riot in the Welsh capital on Saturday as they put four past Cardiff City to complete a league double over their rivals for 2021/22. 

Michael Obafemi, Ben Cabango, and Hannes Wolfe were in the goals for the Swans and Cyrus Christie’s influence from the right flank deserves a mention but today we’re highlighting the performance of midfielder Matt Grimes.

The 26-year-old was quietly brilliant and, alongside Flynn Downes, controlled the game from the centre of the park.

Downes has been linked with a move to the Premier League after an impressive debut campaign at the Swansea.com Stadium but he was outshone by his midfield partner on Saturday.

The Swans skipper produced a real captain’s display to lead his side to victory over their fierce rivals – serving yet another reminder of just how impressive a player he is both in and out of possession.

The possession-heavy style of play that Russell Martin has implemented since his arrival in the summer means Grimes sees a lot of the ball and he looked after the ball excellently against the Bluebirds.

The Swansea midfielder completed 70 of his 77 passes at a success rate of 91% while he made sure he was always an option for a teammate in possession – as his 57 received passes show (Wyscout).

When opportunities opened up for him in the final third, he didn’t shy away from them and it was the rebound from one of his two shots in the game that teed up Cabango to score Swansea’s second.

But it was defensively that Grimes really shone. The midfielder broke up play and recycled the ball time after time, which played a vital part in keeping the Swans in control.

He won 100% of his defensive and aerial duels, as well as making five interceptions, nine ball recoveries, and