Charlie Patino scored for Swansea City and won their Player of the Match award as they progressed to the next round of the FA Cup on Saturday.

SWANSEA, WALES: Charlie Patino of Swansea City scores his team's first goal during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Swansea City and Morecambe at Swansea.com Stadium on January 06, 2024. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
SWANSEA, WALES: Charlie Patino of Swansea City scores his team’s first goal during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Swansea City and Morecambe at Swansea.com Stadium on January 06, 2024. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

Arsenal loanee Charlie Patino appeared to have fallen out of favour at Swansea City at the end of 2023, with interim manager Alan Sheehan admitting the midfielder needed to improve in certain areas of his game.

“There’s areas of his game where, although it might seem harsh at the moment in not playing him, he will improve for it,” Sheehan said.

“We did video clips with him probably an hour before the game today and showed him the reasons why he’s not playing.

“Charlie’s a good lad. I know him. I’ve done a lot of individual meetings and training sessions with him. So I know what he is. He’s got big potential. He’s only young and there’s competition for places.”

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SWANSEA, WALES: Charlie Patino of Swansea City celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Swansea City and Morecambe at Swansea.com Stadium on January 06, 2024. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
SWANSEA, WALES: Charlie Patino of Swansea City celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Swansea City and Morecambe at Swansea.com Stadium on January 06, 2024. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

But 2024 has offered Patino a way back into the side, with an early injury to Liam Walsh against West Bromwich Albion seeing the Arsenal loanee take his place for 80 minutes on New Year’s Day.

With Swansea winning that match 1-0, Patino earned an FA Cup start against Morecambe on Saturday, and he took the chance to score the opening goal of the game.

Playing a more advanced role, Patino ghosted in behind the defence and volleyed home a first-time finish from close range for 1-0.

The 20-year-old played the full 90 as Swansea won 2-0 to progress to the next round, and he ended up winning the Swansea fan vote for Player of the Match.

Charlie Patino playing for Swansea City (Photo via Patino on Instagram)
Charlie Patino playing for Swansea City (Photo via Patino on Instagram)

“Yesterday the gaffer was talking about as an eight, he wants goals and assists, and to make the box,” Patino said of his new position.

“I just found myself in an area where I can make the box, and it was a great delivery from Sam [Parker]. I found myself onside as well, and slotted it in.

“A couple of minutes later I could have scored a header. So yeah, I’m just trying to put myself in the best positions in the box to get goals and assists because that’s important for an attacking midfielder.”

After performing well in his new role, Patino is now hoping to keep his place against Birmingham on Saturday, January 13th at 15:00 GMT.

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