Passionate Matos compares Cullen to Bastoni

Passionate Matos compares Cullen to BastoniImage source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Liam Cullen won the first of two Swansea penalties during their Easter Monday draw with Middlesbrough ByGareth VincentBBC Sport WalesPublished5 minutes agoCommentsVitor Matos has said players like Liam Cullen are the "soul and heart" of Swansea City as he insisted the club cannot be dragged down by the weight of history.Swansea are 15th in the Championship following their entertaining 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough on Monday.After the game, Matos was asked about Cullen's unfamiliar starting role on the right flank against Boro – and responded by launching a passionate defence of the versatile Wales international.Swansea academy product Cullen has been consistently praised by managers for his attitude and contribution for club and country.However, that has not stopped the 26-year-old from facing social media criticism on a regular basis.The latest example of that came following Wales' World Cup play-off semi-final defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina last month, when Cullen featured as a substitute.Matos has drawn comparisons between Cullen and Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni, who was sent off in Italy's play-off final loss to the Bosnians four days later."I really don't know what is, how do I say, how everyone feels so much in doubt when it's Liam or someone similar, because I just give this example," the Swansea head coach said.Latest Swansea City news, analysis and fan viewsListen to the latest Swansea City interviews, news and discussion on BBC SoundsAttributionSounds"Yesterday, in the Inter game, Bastoni was subbed. He was the player who got the red card that maybe put Italy in hard situation that ended up with them losing the qualification for the play-off. [But] the stadium just stood and started clapping and pushing a player in a really hard moment."Liam is someone from the club and as a club, we need to take care...