Curtis hails Sigurdsson's Swans stay
3rd August
Alan Curtis reckons Gylfi Sigurdsson will be a star performer at Swansea City for years to come after the attacking midfielder agreed a new contract.
Sigurdsson has handed the Swans a major pre-season boost by putting pen to paper on a fresh four-year deal.
And Curtis has welcomed the news that the 26-year-old, who had attracted interest from a number of clubs this summer, will be sticking around.
"It's really positive for us that Gylfi has signed," said the Swans coach.
"He was so instrumental last season, especially when we really needed results. Gylfi stepped up to the plate and scored some crucial goals when we needed them most.
"Everybody contributed, especially as we finished the season quite strongly, but during that difficult period we had, Gylfi was hugely prominent.
"We are all delighted that he has put pen to paper on a new contract because he will be a key player for us over the next few seasons. It's a lift for us all."
Sigurdsson cleaned up at last May's end-of-season awards bash having netted 11 goals in 36 appearances in 2015-16.
He was also an influential performer in 2014-15 - his first full campaign as a Swan - having previously shone during a loan spell at the Liberty back in 2011-12.
Sigurdsson has returned to training with the Swans this week having been given extra time off following his Euro 2016 adventure with Iceland.
"Gylfi showed what he can do in the Euros," added Curtis. "Iceland did extremely well and I thought a lot of that was down to Gylfi.
"It's not just his general play, it's the ground he covers, the goal threat he brings and also his dead-ball expertise.
"Set-plays are a huge part of the game these days and it's no coincidence that he is just about the last off the pitch in every training session.
"He stays behind do to extra work on his technique and you see that on a Saturday. All credit to him for that."
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