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

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.