Angel Rangel
By Mark Jackson

Swansea City full-back Angel Rangel is a rare breed of defender. Unlike the traditional defender, the attack-minded Spaniard puts himself on an all-together different par to his League One rivals. With his astute passing and pin-point crosses, Rangel has shown he has all the qualities of a 21^st century defender, which has aided the Welsh club to the brink of the Championship. 

Swans manager Roberto Martinez snapped up Rangel last summer from Spanish Segunda B outfit Terrassa. And in his debut season in England, the modest Spaniard is closing in on promotion with the Swans from League One, however the realisation

I was excited to come and play here and everything is going well. When you live in another country you have to adapt quickly to everything, including your surroundings.

It was a big decision, but I’m happy I made it.” 

Plunging himself into the unknown, Rangel openly admitted that he knew very little of English football, yet that did not deter him from an opportunity he simply couldn’t let pass. “I didn’t know anything about the English leagues, apart from the Premier League.

The gaffer spoke to me in Spain at the end of last season, he explained everything about the country and club to me. The chance to play in England is very rare. The best football leagues in the world are here.”

The self critical right-back has acknowledged that his game needs to improve, nevertheless the progress already made, gives good reading for the future, he continued. “I still need to become more physical on the ball, but this aspect has still improved since my time here. I learnt a lot early on from training sessions and the games. My passing has become better, plus I’m fitter now, so that helps me get forward, which is important as a right-back.

The game is more physical here. If you’re not strong then you will find it hard.”Rangel was one of three Spaniards to join the club last summer and his addition personifies the perception and vision that Martinez wants to achieve for the future.

“You need to be able to defend first and foremost, but then you have to sense danger and look for a pass. He is comfortable on the ball, he gets forward and he starts play off from the back,” said the Swans boss.

Yet Rangel was somewhat fortunate to be discovered by Martinez. The 25-year-old explained. “Swansea scout Kevin Reeves was watching a player for Benidorm, when they were playing my side Terrassa. It just happened that I played well in that game and they spotted me.” He continued. “There were other Spanish clubs interested in me at the time, but when Roberto spoke to me I knew this would be the best club for my career.”

Rangel has been a revelation at the Liberty Stadium this campaign, starting over 40 games, he has been a consistent performer, which has seen him receive rave reviews from all quarters. Yet the modest and laid back Spaniard insists that he will take every game as it comes. “At the moment I like it here. I’m enjoying my football which is important. The standard and quality is higher, the players and leagues are more professional, so I would like to stay here. Everything apart from the weather is better,” added a smiling Rangel.