Rodgers Tips Bodde As A ‘Massive Asset’

Swansea City manager Brendan Rodgers has heaped praise on Ferrie Bodde, saying he’ll be a massive asset for the team next season if he can stay fit.

The Dutch midfielder is hoping it’s third time lucky this year to fully recover from a troublesome knee ligament injury that he suffered in the later part of 2008.

He’s failed twice in returning to action from the long-term problem, but he was back on a football field and in a Swansea City shirt today as he started the friendly match at Port Talbot.

He only managed 16 minutes on the pitch but that was enough for him to show he still has plenty of quality, particularly his passing ability – which saw him create the opening goal for Craig Beattie.

Brendan Rodgers spoke to Swansea Sound radio after the 3-1 win at Port Talbot and he is fully aware of how good a player he is. Sky Sports pundit Chris Kamara is also a big fan of the player.

‘We were looking at 15 to 20 minutes, because psychologically it’s massive for him.’

‘This is a guy who’s been out for a few years now, and you’ve seen that glimpse there – he’s got so much quality, it’s frightening. He’s made three passes, one for the goal and two other passes that not many other players can make.’

‘Today was a real psychological boost for him, to getting out there and starting.’

‘We didn’t want to rush him, I wanted to take my time with him because when he’s fit he’s a massive asset for us.’

‘I was walking up Mount Kilimanjaro with Chris Kamara, and when he’s seen him play, he’s spoke to a lot of top, top managers saying you want to get this guy from Swansea.’

‘I said to Ferrie that I was youtubing him in the off season, watching all of these clips, looking at his goal at Preston and Norwich and giving him some stick about his celebrations!’

‘He’s a good guy, him and I work well, and as I say he fits perfectly into the philosophy of the football club. He’s excited about coming back but cautious as well.’