Ben Davies relishing top-flight rivalry

Swansea City: Ben Davies relishing top-flight rivalry


By Chris Bevan
BBC Sport
A broad grin spreads across Swansea City defender Ben Davies' face when I raise the subject of him playing against Cardiff City next season. It appears he has been looking forward to a south Wales derby for a while.
There is a good reason why he is relishing the clashes between the Swans and Bluebirds. Davies, 20, is that rarest of breeds in a Premier League dominated by foreign imports: the hometown boy turned first-team regular, who grew up supporting the team he now plays for.
"It's great to have that derby back," the Wales left-back told BBC Sport. "The first one I went to was a Carling Cup game at the Liberty Stadium in 2008. The atmosphere that night was incredible, one of the best I have seen there.
"Those games were brilliant to watch as a fan and it is amazing to have the chance to play in them, especially in the Premier League."
That adds extra spice to a contest that has been played out 105 times before. Both clubs have been in existence for more than 100 years but when they meet, in Cardiff on 2 November and in Swansea on 8 February, it will be during their first season together in the top flight.
Swansea v Cardiff head-to-head
Played: 105

Swansea wins: 35

Cardiff wins: 43

First meeting: 1-1 draw at Swansea's Vetch Field in September 1912

Most recent meeting: Cardiff won 1-0 at Swansea's Liberty Stadium in February 2011

"It means there is so much more riding on it," Davies explained. "And I think it will benefit both teams, in the way that I don't think either of them will want to finish below the other.
"Maybe it is just because I am a local boy that I see it that way, but I am sure a lot of the players will come to appreciate the situation that way because of the way the fans will see it - and they won't want them to have to suffer."
Davies, a fluent Welsh speaker who still lives with his parents (both Swansea season-ticket holders), is also looking forward to facing Cardiff at senior level for the first time.
"I played for Swansea against them a good few times when I was around eight, nine and 10 years old," he added. "And then once when I was 15 in the Welsh Youth Cup as well. We beat them on penalties, which was quite sweet at the time."
There has been a lot more to celebrate for Davies of late. He started last season on a development contract, earning £400 a week, but made his first-team debut in August and went on to make 44 first-team appearances, signing a new three-and-a-half-year deal in November 2012.
Davies missed out on the shortlist for the PFA Young Player of the Year, but it is hard to think of many rookie players who had a bigger impact after making their senior debuts in the top flight last season.
His consistent displays after he replaced the injured Neil Taylor earned him plenty of plaudits as he won five Wales caps and Swansea's Young Player of the Year award, and he was a regular in Michael Laudrup's side as they lifted the Capital One Cup and finished ninth in the Premier League.
Lowdown on Ben Davies

Born: Neath

Age: 20

Wales debut: 12 October 2012 v Scotland

Joined Swansea at the age of eight and stayed on the club's books when his family moved to Denmark a year later, playing youth football for Viborg, before the family returned to Swansea three years later. Did not learn Danish because he lived near a Nato base and went to a British school.

Favourite player as a boy: Ex-Swansea star Lee Trundle because "he was scoring goals every week"

Left-back he admires now: Everton's Leighton Baines "gets forward and makes loads of chances"

Hardest opponent: Newcastle's Hatem Ben Arfa is "direct and always willing to run with the ball"

Not bad for your first year as senior professional. But then Davies is used to multi-tasking. He was a talented rugby union outside half and a wicketkeeper as a boy and, as an apprentice with the Swans, he spent an hour and a half a week studying for his maths A-level with the teacher from his old comprehensive school.
"I just thought that, if football didn't work out, I would have something to fall back on," Davies said. He ended up with an A*, but it does not look like he is going to need it.
"When I came on for my debut I was thinking 'I will never know if I am ready until I try'," he added. "It was sink or swim really, but when somebody like Michael Laudrup has confidence in you, then it is a big boost. I thought adapted pretty well.
"The first few weeks, I was wary of who I was going to come up against but by the end of the season I was treating teams like Manchester United like any other game. I realised that, if I was worrying too much about who I was playing, I was not focusing on how I was playing myself."
His progress through the ranks has been rapid, but there is no danger of Davies getting carried away by the speed of his success - he just moves on to the next challenge.
Next season, he is relishing Swansea's European campaign and also knows he faces a fight for his place for club and country from the fit-again Taylor, back after his long lay-off with a broken ankle.
Just as he did with the Cardiff-Swansea dynamic, Davies thinks both parties will benefit from the rivalry.
"When I got my place in the Swansea team, I said to myself that when Neil is back fit I want to cause a problem in the manager's mind over who he is going to pick," Davies said.
"I feel I have done that. Neil and I both have to be on top of our games next year so we will pushing each other all the time. That should get the best out of us - and then it is up to the manager to make a decision."

The jacks seem to think they've beaten us more then we've beaten them. Yet it says there that we're 8 wins ahead of them.

The Jacks are really confident they will beat us. Suppose we would be if we were in their shoes and I do recall us being that when they came up to the championship. It would be nice to do the same to them.

If they think they will easily beat us they will be in for a shock. Our worth ethic can stop them playing their passing game. Derby's are unpredictable.

The jacks seem to think they've beaten us more then we've beaten them. Yet it says there that we're 8 wins ahead of them.

and you have spoken to all the jacks have you to come to that conclusion

The jacks seem to think they've beaten us more then we've beaten them. Yet it says there that we're 8 wins ahead of them.

You have when welsh cups are taken into account. Take those out and its us on top.
Work ethic seems to be a buzz word on here at the moment. Wow wonder why no side has thought of that before. Quality is needed to prosper in this league work ethic is the norm. Apart from qpr every club has a tremendous work ethic.

The jacks seem to think they've beaten us more then we've beaten them. Yet it says there that we're 8 wins ahead of them.

You have when welsh cups are taken into account. Take those out and its us on top.
Work ethic seems to be a buzz word on here at the moment. Wow wonder why no side has thought of that before. Quality is needed to prosper in this league work ethic is the norm. Apart from qpr every club has a tremendous work ethic.

Wow wonder if anyone has realised you need quality too

The jacks seem to think they've beaten us more then we've beaten them. Yet it says there that we're 8 wins ahead of them.

and you have spoken to all the jacks have you to come to that conclusion

Never heard a jack say it. Just seen the muppets on here posting it,

The jacks seem to think they've beaten us more then we've beaten them. Yet it says there that we're 8 wins ahead of them.

You have when welsh cups are taken into account. Take those out and its us on top.
Work ethic seems to be a buzz word on here at the moment. Wow wonder why no side has thought of that before. Quality is needed to prosper in this league work ethic is the norm. Apart from qpr every club has a tremendous work ethic.

Don't run the welsh cup down gypo. It was big back in the day because it was a route into Europe. If your as old as you say you are you will know that.

Mark Hudson & Co have given the Swans players the incentive they need.

Mark Hudson & Co have given the Swans players the incentive they need.

Well it haven't given laudrup the incentive has it? He wants out!

And why has he not gone then, laudrup knows where the door is

The jacks seem to think they've beaten us more then we've beaten them. Yet it says there that we're 8 wins ahead of them.

You have when welsh cups are taken into account. Take those out and its us on top.
Work ethic seems to be a buzz word on here at the moment. Wow wonder why no side has thought of that before. Quality is needed to prosper in this league work ethic is the norm. Apart from qpr every club has a tremendous work ethic.

Wow wonder if anyone has realised you need quality too

Doubt it looking at your squad. Maybe they will find it Malaysia on their little jolly.

And why has he not gone then, laudrup knows where the door is

He wants a pay off.

i would say its more like he would have to pay the Swans 10m if he goes, the ball is now in his court

i would say its more like he would have to pay the Swans 10m if he goes, the ball is now in his court

Err no.. A club would have to pay you 10 million compensation for him. If he wanted to quit, he'd do it for free, just like we would if we quit our jobs!

its 10m for laudrup to jump ship from his swans contract

The jacks seem to think they've beaten us more then we've beaten them. Yet it says there that we're 8 wins ahead of them.

You have when welsh cups are taken into account. Take those out and its us on top.
Work ethic seems to be a buzz word on here at the moment. Wow wonder why no side has thought of that before. Quality is needed to prosper in this league work ethic is the norm. Apart from qpr every club has a tremendous work ethic.

Don't run the welsh cup down gypo. It was big back in the day because it was a route into Europe. If your as old as you say you are you will know that.

It's easy for the welsh cup to be kind of omitted from first team fixtures as both clubs do not enter the competition anymore. But I remember us taking 2500 to Shrewsbury on a Tuesday night once. And I believe that the last time there was a Swansea V Cardiff final, both legs were played in front of 20,000+ crowds. So yeah on that basis they have to be included so that indeed put you 8 ahead.

The jacks seem to think they've beaten us more then we've beaten them. Yet it says there that we're 8 wins ahead of them.

You have when welsh cups are taken into account. Take those out and its us on top.
Work ethic seems to be a buzz word on here at the moment. Wow wonder why no side has thought of that before. Quality is needed to prosper in this league work ethic is the norm. Apart from qpr every club has a tremendous work ethic.

Wow wonder if anyone has realised you need quality too

Doubt it looking at your squad. Maybe they will find it Malaysia on their little jolly.

Watched us a lot then have you?
Still wasn't point though was it? Any other pearls of wisdom that only you know - don't tell me there's more pace in the PL?

i would say its more like he would have to pay the Swans 10m if he goes, the ball is now in his court

Err no.. A club would have to pay you 10 million compensation for him. If he wanted to quit, he'd do it for free, just like we would if we quit our jobs!

You are thick fair play If Laudrup leaves swansea(quit) as you say he couldn't take another job until his contract runs out, or unless laudrup himself or whatever club he goes to pays the £10 million, and you say he wants a pay off by all accounts he not short of a few££££ worth around £40 million.

The jacks seem to think they've beaten us more then we've beaten them. Yet it says there that we're 8 wins ahead of them.

You have when welsh cups are taken into account. Take those out and its us on top.
Work ethic seems to be a buzz word on here at the moment. Wow wonder why no side has thought of that before. Quality is needed to prosper in this league work ethic is the norm. Apart from qpr every club has a tremendous work ethic.

Don't run the welsh cup down gypo. It was big back in the day because it was a route into Europe. If your as old as you say you are you will know that.

It's easy for the welsh cup to be kind of omitted from first team fixtures as both clubs do not enter the competition anymore. But I remember us taking 2500 to Shrewsbury on a Tuesday night once. And I believe that the last time there was a Swansea V Cardiff final, both legs were played in front of 20,000+ crowds. So yeah on that basis they have to be included so that indeed put you 8 ahead.

The welsh cup was sh*t end of, didnt matter if it was cardiff or swansea going into europe at the time both clubs were sh*t lower league clubs, thank f*ck we nolonger play in it.

The jacks seem to think they've beaten us more then we've beaten them. Yet it says there that we're 8 wins ahead of them.

You have when welsh cups are taken into account. Take those out and its us on top.
Work ethic seems to be a buzz word on here at the moment. Wow wonder why no side has thought of that before. Quality is needed to prosper in this league work ethic is the norm. Apart from qpr every club has a tremendous work ethic.

Don't run the welsh cup down gypo. It was big back in the day because it was a route into Europe. If your as old as you say you are you will know that.

It's easy for the welsh cup to be kind of omitted from first team fixtures as both clubs do not enter the competition anymore. But I remember us taking 2500 to Shrewsbury on a Tuesday night once. And I believe that the last time there was a Swansea V Cardiff final, both legs were played in front of 20,000+ crowds. So yeah on that basis they have to be included so that indeed put you 8 ahead.

The welsh cup was sh*t end of, didnt matter if it was cardiff or swansea going into europe at the time both clubs were sh*t lower league clubs, thank f*ck we nolonger play in it.

The welsh cup was great back in the day.

i would say its more like he would have to pay the Swans 10m if he goes, the ball is now in his court

Err no.. A club would have to pay you 10 million compensation for him. If he wanted to quit, he'd do it for free, just like we would if we quit our jobs!

You are thick fair play If Laudrup leaves swansea(quit) as you say he couldn't take another job until his contract runs out, or unless laudrup himself or whatever club he goes to pays the £10 million, and you say he wants a pay off by all accounts he not short of a few££££ worth around £40 million.

Since when do yo need to pay your employer off?, when you want to quit you job!

i would say its more like he would have to pay the Swans 10m if he goes, the ball is now in his court

Err no.. A club would have to pay you 10 million compensation for him. If he wanted to quit, he'd do it for free, just like we would if we quit our jobs!

You are thick fair play If Laudrup leaves swansea(quit) as you say he couldn't take another job until his contract runs out, or unless laudrup himself or whatever club he goes to pays the £10 million, and you say he wants a pay off by all accounts he not short of a few££££ worth around £40 million.

Since when do yo need to pay your employer off?, when you want to quit you job!

Ur when you are under contract and when that contract say's if you leave and take another managers job there is an £10 millon release clause. Could any cardiff player quit cardiff tomorrow and then lets say take another job as a footballer with west brom on monday, of course not and why, cos they are under contract

i would say its more like he would have to pay the Swans 10m if he goes, the ball is now in his court

Err no.. A club would have to pay you 10 million compensation for him. If he wanted to quit, he'd do it for free, just like we would if we quit our jobs!

You are thick fair play If Laudrup leaves swansea(quit) as you say he couldn't take another job until his contract runs out, or unless laudrup himself or whatever club he goes to pays the £10 million, and you say he wants a pay off by all accounts he not short of a few££££ worth around £40 million.

Since when do yo need to pay your employer off?, when you want to quit you job!

Ur when you are under contract and when that contract say's if you leave and take another managers job there is an £10 millon release clause. Could any cardiff player quit cardiff tomorrow and then lets say take another job as a footballer with west brom on monday, of course not and why, cos they are under contract

All bollocks sunshine, I work for ford, but if I resigned and went to work for vauxhall, I would accept their terms. It's the same in football.

i would say its more like he would have to pay the Swans 10m if he goes, the ball is now in his court

Err no.. A club would have to pay you 10 million compensation for him. If he wanted to quit, he'd do it for free, just like we would if we quit our jobs!

You are thick fair play If Laudrup leaves swansea(quit) as you say he couldn't take another job until his contract runs out, or unless laudrup himself or whatever club he goes to pays the £10 million, and you say he wants a pay off by all accounts he not short of a few££££ worth around £40 million.

Since when do yo need to pay your employer off?, when you want to quit you job!

Ur when you are under contract and when that contract say's if you leave and take another managers job there is an £10 millon release clause. Could any cardiff player quit cardiff tomorrow and then lets say take another job as a footballer with west brom on monday, of course not and why, cos they are under contract

If you quit your job, your wouldn't be asked to pay for it?

The jacks seem to think they've beaten us more then we've beaten them. Yet it says there that we're 8 wins ahead of them.

You have when welsh cups are taken into account. Take those out and its us on top.
Work ethic seems to be a buzz word on here at the moment. Wow wonder why no side has thought of that before. Quality is needed to prosper in this league work ethic is the norm. Apart from qpr every club has a tremendous work ethic.

Don't run the welsh cup down gypo. It was big back in the day because it was a route into Europe. If your as old as you say you are you will know that.

It's easy for the welsh cup to be kind of omitted from first team fixtures as both clubs do not enter the competition anymore. But I remember us taking 2500 to Shrewsbury on a Tuesday night once. And I believe that the last time there was a Swansea V Cardiff final, both legs were played in front of 20,000+ crowds. So yeah on that basis they have to be included so that indeed put you 8 ahead.

The welsh cup was sh*t end of, didnt matter if it was cardiff or swansea going into europe at the time both clubs were sh*t lower league clubs, thank f*ck we nolonger play in it.

I'm not being funny but your starting too make a tool of yourself on here mate. Cool it down a bit ye and get your info right! Having a bit of banter and taking the piss is one thing. Dissing both clubs history is another! As I said earlier, the last time the 2 clubs met in the final we had just finished in our highest league position ever, 6th in the old first division, yet still pulled in over 20,000 for the final against Cardiff. Hardly lower division shite eh?