'Sanches can be a different player'

Carlos Carvalhal reckons Renato Sanches has a big part to play in the second half of Swansea City’s season.

Sanches has struggled to hit top form since joining the Swans on a year-long loan deal from Bayern Munich in the summer.

His game-time was limited in the final weeks of Paul Clement’s Liberty reign, but he did feature as a substitute as the Swans were beaten at Liverpool on Boxing Day under caretaker boss Leon Britton.

Now Sanches will hope for more opportunities under fellow countryman Carvalhal – and the new Swans manager feels the midfielder can make a significant contribution.

When asked about Sanches at his first Swans press conference, Carvalhal said: “I think he needs confidence.

“It is easy to forget because he has played for Benfica and the Portuguese national team that he is still only a kid.

“I think he needs a role in the team. With time he and the other players will understand the different roles they have in the team.

“He will be involved in the dynamic and when he understands what we want, he will be a completely different player.”