“Neymar would fit in perfectly in the EPL also” – Swansea’s Indian-origin left back Neil Taylor

Swansea left back Neil Taylor’s visit to Kolkata may not have been as publicised as the ones by Pele, Maradona, Lionel Messi or Diego Forlan, but the 24-year-old Wales international’s family connection with the City of Joy attracted several media persons at his press conference on Tuesday afternoon.

It is widely known now that Taylor’s mother hails from Kolkata and that he still has relatives in the Bengal capital and also in New Delhi. but looking back to his visits to India as a child, the former Manchester City youngster also revealed his association with cricket.

“My mother was born in Kolkata but moved to the UK while in her teens. As a kid I used to come to India a lot and remember playing cricket and even watching some matches at the Eden Gardens. I still have a lot of family members in India, both in Kolkata and New Delhi and I plan to visit the ones who are in Kolkata before returning to the UK,” Neil stated at the press meet.

The defender, who idolises Ashley Cole, is in Kolkata to interact with young footballers of the British Council’s Goalz project, which is inspired by the Premier League’s innovative partnership with the London Metropolitan Police. In Kolkata, the project runs in partnership with Kolkata Police, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, AIFF and IFA. It is delivered in association with nine Kolkata clubs with the target being to involve youngsters from the vulnerable sections of the society.

Having confused the festival of Diwali with Holi while reliving his India memories, Taylor was more comfortable talking about his eagerness to interact with the budding footballers of the project.

“I wanted to come here and find out more about Indian football and looking at the Goalz project, I see there is more happening here than I imagined. Sport in general, not just football, helps solve various problems in the society and it’s good to see this project helping the kids to live a better life. I hope to learn more about it and maybe can have long-term visits in the future,” he said.

Taylor broke his ankle after a challenge from Sunderland’s Craig Gardner

2012 was a roller coaster year for Taylor as he represented Great Britain at the London Olympics but also broke his ankle after a challenge from Sunderland’s Craig Gardner and missed almost the entire season, in which Swansea also won the League Cup to qualify for the Europa League.

“I have no grudges against him (Gardner) but it was difficult to stay out for most of the season. Injuries are always the most frustrating part for footballers but having dealt with that now, I believe I have become a stronger player,” he said.

When asked to pick the most influential coach of his career, Taylor acknowledged the contribution of all managers that he has played under and also paid a special tribute to Welsh legend Gary Speed.

“Different managers have influenced me greatly at different stages of my career. For example, I played under Liverpool legend Joey Jones (at Wrexham) who taught me how to tackle. Brendan Rodgers, of course, gave me the chance to flourish at the big stage and I will always remain thankful to him for that. Currently, Michael Laudrup is a joy to play under and he still looks like the best player in the world! All rumours of him falling out with the club or leaving don’t affect the players because we know that these stories are made up at this time of the year when nothing much is happening on the pitch.

Taylor made his senior Wales debut under Gary Speed

“Losing Gary Speed was a massive shock for everybody in Wales. He was a legend as a player, captained every club he played in and of course as a coach he did a great job for our national team and gave me my international debut. I still remember the day when we got the tragic news. We had a game against Aston Villa that day and I just broke down hearing about him,” he commented.

Looking ahead to the new season, Taylor talked about the return of Jose Mourinho to the English Premier League and the season opener against Manchester United.

“The return of Jose Mourinho will give a new dimension to the EPL and it’s especially good news for the media. (Sir Alex Ferguson) will be a big loss for the English Premier League but looking at the length of contract given to David Moyes, maybe United have identified him to be the next Alex Ferguson. We face them in the first game so it will be a tough start because players always want to perform that extra bit for a new manager but hopefully we will start well like we did last season,” Taylor added.

When Taylor helped Swansea City gain promotion to the top flight, fixtures against the top clubs were the ones their fans would look out for. But in the 2013-14 campaign, everyone in Swansea will be looking ahead to the two matches against fellow Welsh outfit Cardiff City, who have earned promotion this term.

Admitting the same, Taylor mentioned about the importance of that fixture and spoke about the current setup at the Welsh national team.

“Cardiff City was certainly the fixture that everyone in Swansea looked out for when the fixtures were announced. It’s always huge when the two clubs meet and it is going to be extra special now that both teams are in the EPL.

“I think for a couple of years we have had a good group of players but having talent it’s not enough, we have to deliver the results now. We are a small country but capable of doing well at international level,” Taylor opined.

Neymar would be a star in the EPL also according to the Swansea left back

The Roberto Carlos fan picked current Brazil star Neymar as the most dangerous player that he has ever faced. Although Neymar has joined Barcelona, Taylor was asked if the former Santos player could excel in the more physical English Premier League and the Swansea man backed Brazil’s current number ‘10’ to light up the EPL also, but believes Spain are favourites to win the Confederations Cup.

“Certainly Neymar (most difficult opponent), I remember playing against him in the lead up to the Olympics and for several periods in that game I was just looking at his heels. Why wouldn’t he be able to play in the EPL? I think he would fit in perfectly because great players can adapt to any situation. I believe the final will be between Spain and Brazil but you would have to back the Spaniards to win it,” Taylor said.

He was naturally asked about Wales’ current star Gareth Bale and if he had taken over Ryan Giggs as the most popular player in their country.

“Gareth Bale is certainly the most popular player in Wales now but Giggs will always be a legend. It’s a pity that I couldn’t play with him for the Wales national team as he retired by then but it was an honour being his teammate at Great Britain during the Olympics,” he said.

Taylor was also full of praise for Swansea’s top scorer last season, Michu and is confident that the Spaniard will remain at the club in the coming season. Taylor himself is highly committed towards the South Wales club but still has some regrets of not making the grade at Manchester City.

“Considering his initial price tag, Michu had an exceptional season and once you have a season like that there is always plenty of interest. I hope he stays and I think he will because he has signed a new contract.

“It was great for me to be a youngster at Manchester City and I was disappointed when I was released but I am very happy playing for Swansea City. We have one of the best models among all clubs in England and with FFP kicking on, I think we are ahead of most other teams in that respect,” he concluded.