Why Crystal Palace should make an attempt to sign Dijon’s Mounir Chouiar
According to Le Foot (h/t Football London), Crystal Palace are keeping tabs on Dijon winger Mounir Chouiar with a potential bid in mind this summer.
Mounir Chouiar, 21, has been in good form this season, scoring four goals in 20 Ligue 1 appearances for Dijon. The report (h/t Football London) adds Dijon are prepared to demand £9million from the interested clubs, almost 12 months after signing the young winger from Lens.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, have once again struggled for goals, managing only 26 in 29 games. Jordan Ayew has done very well as a lone man up front this season, bagging 8 goals in 28 appearances. But Ayew has lacked support, with Wilfried Zaha failing to live up to his usual standards this season.
Christian Benteke has been limited to just 20 league appearances this season due to injury problems. The centre-forward has struggled for fitness and form over the last two years and has scored just once so far this term. So Ayew deserves credit for leading the attack and scoring eight goals for Roy Hodgson’s side.
The Eagles have also lacked creativity in the final third and Hodgson should prioritise reinforcing his attack in the summer. Strengthening the wide department is also vital, with Hodgson having only Wilfried Zaha, Andros Townsend and Jeffrey Schlupp in that position. Hence, Palace must attempt to sign Mounir Chouiar from Dijon.
Chouiar has made an immediate impact at Dijon since arriving from Lens, scoring eight goals in all competitions, including a strike against reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain. He generally plays on the left flank but is also adept playing through the middle.
Such flexibility should make the 21-year-old a handy option for Hodgson, who can use the youngster as per the game’s requirement.
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The Frenchman is an emerging talent. Chouiar has made 71 appearances combined for Lens and Dijon, registering 11 goals and three assists, which is a good return for such a young player.
Verdict
Chouiar is just 21 years old, a fresh talent brimming with confidence following his current form in Dijon colours. There’s clear potential in the kid and with proper guidance and regular opportunities under Hodgson, the French winger could be a future star. Hence, Hodgson must do everything in his powers to sign him from the Ligue 1 club before the 2020/21 season commences.
