Both sides have captured the imagination in recent years, with the south Wales side winning the Capital One Cup and establishing themselves as a Premier League force after promotion in 2011.
Swansea’s attack-minded philosophy and ability to replace outgoing stars is akin to that of Southampton, who have improved season after season since themselves returning to the top table three years ago.
The teams go head to head in the league on Saturday at St Mary’s.
Last term represented Saints’ best-ever Premier League campaign, just like Swansea, and both sides are looking to kick on after more impressive summer business.
“Like us, Swansea in my opinion is an example how you have to do the football business,” Southampton manager Koeman said.
“They have a very good coach and manager, they try to play attractive football.
“They lost some good players, signed some other good ones and are still fighting for a high position on the table.
“We can compare Swansea to our team and that’s maybe the reason it’s a difficult game for both teams.
“Look back at last season and we won in Swansea and they won here. It’s close and it’s detail that makes the difference this Saturday.”
