Erwin Mulder relishing battle for starting role

Erwin Mulder is relishing the competition for Swansea City's goalkeeping spot as crunch time approaches with the start of the Championship season.

The Dutchman played the full 90 minutes on Saturday as Steve Cooper’s side came from behind to beat Italian side Atalanta 2-1 at the Liberty.

Despite missing the early stages of pre-season with a quad injury, Mulder has since recovered and appeared in each of the Swans’ final three friendlies as they made it six wins from six under Cooper.

As was the case during the 2018-19 campaign, the 30-year-old has shared duties with Kristoffer Nordfeldt during pre-season, while Steven Benda was also given the opportunity to shine between the sticks in the wins over Mansfield and Crawley.

Earlier this month, new goalkeeping coach Martyn Margetson threw down the gauntlet to the three keepers to stake their claim for the number one jersey.

Mulder says that the strong competition has provided extra motivation for him to raise his game, and hopes he has done enough to don the gloves when Hull arrive in SA1 next Saturday.

“It was great to get another 90 minutes. I work hard every day and I was very happy that the gaffer chose me again,” he said.

“It’s good that we have strong competition in goal because it helps drive myself to a higher level. 

“I want to play as many games for Swansea City as I can and work hard every day to try and show what I can do.

“Hopefully, that will be enough to earn me the number one shirt because that is what we are all aiming for, to be in the side.”