After the stark warnings of the shock demise of ‘established’ Premier League clubs Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion and Swansea City, Palace are on the verge of what could be the most important transfer window in the clubs history.
An opportunity to kick on and chase the European dream, or finally succumb to the swirling plug hole of relegation?
The pressure is on Mr Parish and Dougie Freedman to deliver this summer and they may well be tempted to splash the cash on the potential of Chelsea’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Allow me a moment to suggest an alternative. One that would allow us to invest in the region of £40-£50million Loftus-Cheek would likely cost in fees and wages in other, more vital area of the squad.
Now, this suggestion is by no means a downgrade on Loftus-Cheek. In fact, he has a higher average season rating than the England international over more games – 7.11 versus 7.08.
Intrigued? Well, I will continue.
He has more tackles than Manchester United’s Ander Herrera (60 versus 56). More Interceptions that Spurs’ Moussa Dembele (35 versus 33). A greater shot count than Liverpool’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (62 versus 47). An equal passing accuracy to that of England hopeful Jake Livermore (78.6% versus 78.6%). More reliable than United’s Nemanja Matic with 3129 minutes played. More assists than South Korean Son Heung Min (7 versus 6) and has the same key pass per game average as Spurs midfielder Deli Alli at 1.8.
I know what you’re thinking. Where does such a midfield god exist, and why would he come to little old Palace?’ Well, I hope you’re sitting down because this player is already at Selhurst Park and that player is Andros Townsend!
‘Pete you idiot, Andros is a winger!’ Yes, I know, but what I am proposing is that Andros could be the midfield driving force we have been after for so long. I believe Townsend would excel in a more central role, his work rate alone would suggest he could be suited there.
Furthermore, I am willing to suggest that should Andros not be moved central, he may will lose his spot on the wing altogether.! He lacks the dynamism and verve of a modern day winger. He is from the old school of ‘cut in and shoot’. At this level, wingers or forwards need to be able to go both ways. Pop up in the centre with goals, use either foot and their head.
The Liverpool front three are fine examples of this. In fact you do not need to look much further than Wilfried Zaha to see what a modern forward player needs to be. Andros is NOT that player.
It would be a shame to lose a player of Andros’ ability and work rate, and I fear he may be left behind. If I were him I would be vying for that large whole that has been left by Loftus-Cheek and saving the Eagles some money in the process.
So, in answer to my question, do we need Ruben Loftus-Cheek? I would say, not as much as we might think.
