Hey lads, just thought id pop by to give my take on De Guzman.
His popularity with the fans was very much split. I was one of the ones who was pro De Guzman though so you're best off hearing from me!
His natural position would be as an attacking midfielder, but we only ever really used him as a central midfielder, simply because Michu was unstoppable for us at the time, and also because we inexplicably loaned you guys Ki, so left ourselves with little options in the middle.
De Guzman is most effective when he has time on the ball. He is very forward thinking and his dead ball ability is exceptional (Check out his goal away to Valencia). He can really make a keeper work from almost anywhere in the opponents half and links up very well with the striker.
The reason he split fans down the Liberty is because he never puts a foot in. Now, as an attacking midfielder, you can maybe overlook that because he is mainly there to contribute to the attack, not defence. But we played him at CM. He never tracks back (or maybe jogs back from time to time) and he will very rarely attempt a tackle. He is quite small and he gets out muscled quite easily, so don't expect him to hold the ball up.
The reason I liked him is because when he was good, he was class. If he didn't have his negatives, then he wouldn't be playing for Swansea/Sunderland, he would be at a top 4 team.
The best way to play against De Guzman is to simply mark him. With him playing in a more advanced role for you guys there is a higher chance of that happening so he and your squad will have to work out ways for him to collect the ball with plenty of space. Not just lump it up to him as that wont work.
I think he will definitely add that creative spark that you guys need and will do well.
All the best after Saturday
