LONDON — Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi known jokingly as ‘Uncle Marc’ by his family is reportedly being eyed by Premier League champions Liverpool and he told the BBC the “turning point” for him was a loan spell at Swansea.

The 25-year-old central defender — born in the Ivory Coast but whose family moved to England when he was one — has attracted Liverpool’s attention with commanding performances.

He was pivotal in both Palace’s remarkable FA Cup win over Manchester City last season and then in the Community Shield a fortnight ago, in which Palace beat Liverpool on penalties.

The England international — who credits his church minister father John for sacrificing a lot in driving him as a youngster to play in matches — says the two-year stint at Swansea (2019-21) gave him the experience and hard knocks he required to succeed at the top level.

”I’d say my time on loan at Swansea was a big turning point,” said Guehi.

”Coming from Chelsea’s academy and going to such an amazing club that made me feel welcome from the beginning... not playing right away, having to sit on the bench, having not to travel to games and experiencing the difficult side of football.

”I wouldn’t say woke me up, put me in my place. That definitely helped me understand the world of football a bit better.”

Guehi credits two Swansea teammates Wayne Routledge and Nathan Dyer in giving him sound advice to help him move forward.

”They were adamant that I should just carry on being myself and excelling in that area because, at the end of the day, if you’re not yourself, what’s the point?” he said.