9 goals, 6 assists – Crystal Palace signing this 32-year-old athletic ace would add a new dimension to their attack

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5 years ago

Crystal Palace Opinion: Why the Eagles should snap up Hatem Ben Arfa?

French club Rennes have announced the departure of Hatem Ben Arfa, who is now available for free.

Ben Arfa, 32, scored nine goals and supplied six assists in all competitions for Rennes after joining on a free transfer at the beginning of last campaign, but the option to extend his contract to the end of the season has not been taken up.

Now available on a free transfer, Crystal Palace must take a punt on the Frenchman despite the player having had his fair share of criticism during his previous spell in the Premier League.

Crystal Palace had an inconsistent 2018/19 campaign having finished 12^th in the standings. The Eagles never really got going from the onset and regardless of some positive results against the top six sides, they couldn’t achieve a top-half finish.

Well, that could be Roy Hodgson’s aim next season, as the veteran manager looks for reinforcements in the summer transfer window. Even in an uninspiring campaign, Palace had a few bright sparks in the form of Andros Townsend and Wilfried Zaha—the duo contributing with 16 goals and nine assists in 2018/19.

Townsend has already attracted the attention of Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City, while Zaha has expressed his desire for the third summer running to play in the Champions League. Losing two key players in the same window would be a body blow for the Eagles and Hodgson needs to be fully prepared to tackle such circumstances.

Thus, it’s important for the Palace boss to lookout for capable replacements. The south Londoners would need a player who can quickly make an impact next season and Hatem Ben Arfa could be a safe bet.

The Frenchman has had attitude and disciplinary problems in the Premier League but he is more than capable of making a positive impact at Palace. The 32-year-old is adept at playing through the middle or on either of the wings. A fast, agile and athletic attacker blessed with excellent technical abilities on the ball, Ben Arfa can win games single-handedly on his day.

The ex-Paris Saint-Germain ace boasts of a good understanding of the game as well, which combined with his ability to find the net from his lethal left foot, make him a dangerous presence in and around the penalty area. He’ll provide the flair to the Palace attack which failed to open up defences on a number of occasions this past season.