Bodde Tips Allen For the Top

Dutchman Ferrie Bodde has backed team mate Joe Allen to be a Premiership player of the future.

Bodde's season ending knee injury opened the door for 18 year-old Allen, who has grasped the opportunity with both hands and been an oustanding performer in the Swans 13 game unbeaten sequence.

And Bodde, a player of Premiership quality himself, has said that if he continues his level of development then he could follow the likes of Aaron Ramsey into the top flight.

Bodde spoke to the Western Mail:

"I`m not surprised at all at the progress he`s made," he said.

"When I first came over to see Swansea 18 months ago against Blackpool, Roberto Martinez asked me what I thought of him after the game.'

"He was only 16 or 17 at the time, but I saw a bit of myself in him.'

"He played like an adult that day - brave, energetic and with a good pass on him.'

"I told him that Joe Allen was going to be a big player."

"I`ve been following the games very closely back home in Holland," said Bodde.

"Joe is growing with every game and he`s going to be a big player.

"It won`t be long before he`s playing in the Premiership."

Roberto Martinez has also supported the words of his injured play maker.

"Joe has had to be patient to get where he is, and he has used the time to develop his game," said Martinez.

"It used to be about short passing, but he has now added the longer pass to his repertoire.'

"Because of that, if you watch him now, he can switch play better.'

"It`s something Ferrie is good at, and Joe has obviously learned a lot from watching him on the training ground.'

"He`s got a good tactical brain for a youngster.'

"And for an 18-year-old not only to hold his own against a Premier League midfield at Portsmouth last weekend, but to stand out, shows you how far he has come already."

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