Clement retains belief in 'struggling' Renato Sanches
The midfielder has failed to shine since joining Swansea on loan from Bayern Munich, but Paul Clement has vowed to have faith in the youngster.
"Renato is struggling for confidence and form. We still have a lot of belief in him. I know, and European football knows, that he is a really good talent," Clement admitted.
The midfielder rose to prominence when still a teenager, playing the final of the 2016 European Championship for Portugal. This was followed by a move from Benfica to Bayern Munich, where he struggled for first-team football before another move to south Wales.
He has been heavily criticised after making a stuttering start at the Liberty Stadium, but Swans boss Paul Clement still has every faith in the 20-year-old.
"But he hasn't played anywhere near his potential and we're working hard with him. He didn't play regular minutes at Bayern. So he's gone from a very high point of winning the Euros with Portugal, to a very low point," he said.
"Although difficult, it is a good experience for him in his career and will only make him stronger. And I'm sure, sooner rather than later, we'll see him come through this period. But I'll keep backing him, like all our players."
"There's no pressure to play him from Bayern. When we brought him here, it was because he needed experience and needed to play regularly."
"But he falls under the same remit as all our players. They will get more opportunities to play if they're performing. But there's nothing to say I have to play him. It's all on merit."