Alfie Mawson wants to fill Swansea City void left by Ashley Williams departure

Swansea City defender Alfie Mawson has expressed his desire to fill the leadership void at the club left by the summer departure of Ashley Williams.

The 22-year-old moved to the Liberty Stadium from Championship club Barnsley for £5m just before the end of the transfer window.

He made his long-awaited debut on Saturday in the goalless draw with Watford and received plaudits from fans, pundits and manager Bob Bradley.

"I'd like to have the same impact [Williams] had when he came in here," Mawson is quoted by Sky Sports News as saying.

"He was a League Two player, but he helped the club rocket up the leagues and played at the Euros in the summer.

"Not so much football-wise, but being a leader. That's what some say is missing at this club because Ashley left a big hole in that respect. If I can take on that role I'm happy to do so."

Williams made over 350 appearances in eight years for Swansea before his summer transfer to Everton.