Saturdays derby game between Swansea City and Cardiff City comes with one real catalyst if the game is to be won by either side. That trait isn’t so much commitment but a skills base that can turn a game and be the match winner. If there’s one swans player with that ability it has to be Flynn Downes.

Since his arrival at Swansea City Flynn has become the complete utility player in a squad that demands flexibility and a natural ability. He has functioned as a sweeper come centre half, and in midfield as a reliable link between the centre of the park and attack. His fitness has already been commented on positively by swans manager Russell Martin, and he does have an aggression which at times does get him noticed by match officials. That aside he also has a quick turn of pace combining that aforementioned natural ability which has got him noticed by clubs in the premier league.

Not least Leeds United.

Downes progression in a white shirt was rubber stamped when he wore the captains armband against Southampton in the FA Cup in January. That step up signified the trust Russell Martin has in him, and of course the respect that is needed from your peers on the pitch.

If the swans are to make Welsh derby history on Saturday then Flynn Downes will have to be the player who stamps his mark on the game. Last season Swansea had Conor Hourihane, who when it came to the crunch failed to deliver in a game at the Liberty that couldn’t have been more disappointing. His previous performances, especially when he first arrived at the swans should have ensured he pulled every string for a season double. Unfortunately Hourihame failed to turn up with a number of other swans players, some of whom remain at the club today.

Saturdays game doesn’t need under performing players, it requires a team to click and tick and take the game by the scruff of the neck. And Flynn Downes is the man to inspire his team mates and ensure that happens. If it does, and a more positive and direct Matt Grimes is evident then the forward players like Paterson, Piroe and Obafemi will most certainly get the chances they need to become Wales first double history boys.

Players like Korey Smith do owe themselves something as a result of their home derby performance last season, and this game is even harder to win as it doesn’t take place in the swansea.com stadium. The 3-0 victory by the swans over their close rivals in the home fixture must rank as one of the easiest three points this season. Hannes Wolf too is in the firing line, but it’s the likes of Flynn Downes who can inspire him to become a part of Saturdays history making game. Wolf, not dissimilar to Marvin Emnes most certainly has that spark to win football matches. He has a touch and finish that could decide this derby. He needs to show it too, the ten million euro man has much to prove.

The real issue is at the back of the swans defence. An error free Andrew Fisher is most certainly a priority. Cyrus Christie has had some well deserved rest, and Ben Cabango has again experienced life with the national team. If Kyle Naughton marshalls the swans defence as we expect, and Flynn offers that extra spark cleaning up and creating opportunities for Swansea then the game will be won.

But there is an issue with this.

Cardiff boss Steve Morison has prompted a Cardiff revival in recent weeks. Their form is better than that of the swans. They no longer boot the ball forwards as did the Mick McCarthy side of earlier on in the season. They have a positivity that has seen them weigh in against the divisions best of late. That either proves how bad this league is or displays a Cardiff side who are quick when the ball is recycled, and smart with their aggression when focussing in on their opponents goal. I’m going for the latter. It is most certainly one of those games that if either side went three up, it won’t be over. Swansea have shown some real grit and determination when under the cosh away from home this season. Luton and Peterborough is evidence. The latter annoying, but still it ended up in a win.

Whatever happens, and if the swans do lose it won’t be the end of the world, they have already piled the pressure on Cardiff for this game, a loss would mean honours even, yet again. But to those players that would be a part of the team that did the historic double there is longevity. It would not only elevate them to a higher level than any of their counterparts in Swansea City Welsh football history, it would crush the very heart and soul of their closest rivals.

The man to drive that ambition, to realise that ‘thing’ that has never been done is Flynn Downes. He is due a goal, and he is due the spotlight. He can do it, he is by far the best player on the pitch on his day. But to prove that you have to rise above the rest when it really matters. And on Saturday, it really does matter.

If Flynn shines away for the swans, there will only be one result.

Photographs licensed from Reuters and open source : The artwork is just fun.

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