Mawson's top of the lot
17th March
When it comes to goalscoring defenders, there isn't any better in Europe this year than Alfie Mawson.
The Swans centre-back's latest strike in last weekend's defeat at Hull City was his fourth goal in 2017 - a return no other defender in Europe's top five leagues can beat.
Mawson, a summer signing from Barnsley, first found the net for his new club in January during a 2-1 win at Crystal Palace before heading his second goal in a home victory against Southampton.
A thunderbolt of a volley chalked up number three as defending champions Leicester City were beaten at the Liberty, before his late effort at Hull proved small consolation in an away defeat.
A regular in Paul Clement's defence, the 23-year-old's success at the other end of the pitch has proved a real bonus in the Swans' push for survival.
Mawson's goal rush with the Swans should come as no surprise - he scored six goals in 45 games while on loan at Wycombe in League Two while the following season he struck eight goals in 49 appearances for Barnsley.
For a player who was part of the Welling United side that took on Cambridge in a non-league fixture almost three years ago to the day, his scoring statistic is one to cherish.
"I am surprised I haven't heard that stat yet - my family and friends are usually all over stats like that," admits Mawson, who has been included in the England Under-21 squad for their forthcoming friendly matches against Germany and Denmark.
"It's a great stat to have, and shows I am chipping in with my fair share of goals.
"My first priority is to defend, but I am more than happy to find the net at the other end. There's no feeling like it.
"Since I've played professional football I've had a decent record of scoring, so I'm happy with that."
Mawson looks to add another goal to his Swans tally on Saturday when Clement's side visit Bournemouth (5.30pm).
The Swans visit the South Coast with just three points separating themselves and Eddie Howe's Cherries.
Following defeat to Hull last weekend, Clement's side sit just three points above the dropzone with ten games remaining.
And Mawson is well aware of the quality the Swans will face at the Vitality Stadium having been beaten 3-0 by the Cherries in SA1 last December.
"Bournemouth are a side full of players who will work very hard for each other," he added.
"They put in the hard yards as well as being a team who can play attractive football. We know what the quality they have, but we have shown a big resurgence in form despite last week's setback.
"It could be a game that is very close and will take one moment of magic to decide the outcome."
