Crystal Palace Opinion: Why the Eagles should go for Mohamed Diame?
According to Turkish newspaper Sabah, Crystal Palace are one of the few clubs interested in signing Newcastle United midfielder Mohamed Diame.
The Senegalese, 31, is out of contract in July having failed to trigger a one-year extension. He has plied his trade in England for the past 10 years, turning out for the likes of Wigan Athletic, Hull City and West Ham prior to his time with the Magpies.
The report claim West Ham and Fenerbahce have made an offer for Mohamed Diame ahead of the new season. As Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez is happy to allow the midfielder to leave the club, its Crystal Palace that should win the race for the 31-year-old’s signature.
Crystal Palace had an underwhelming season in the Premier League, with Roy Hodgson’s men finishing 12th in the table. The Eagles could never find the momentum that could have easily given them a top-half finish, yet with the squad Hodgson has had, it could be viewed as an achievement.
While Palace have good players in midfield, they could do with one more solid player in that department. Hence, signing Mohamed Diame makes sense.
Diame was often seen as a no.10 in his earlier days in England. However, with time, the Senegalese has operated as a defensive midfielder. He is extremely strong and physically imposing, known for doing the dirty job in midfield to keep his team ticking over. The 31-year-old uses his size to cover large areas of the pitch quickly and is a diligent performer that rarely stops running.
The ex-West Ham star isn’t a very assured passer of the ball and tends to give possession away cheaply. Passing has never been his forte; Diame is a combative player always known for his pace, power and physicality. Due to age and injuries, he has lost a yard of pace.
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But as the Senegalese is always willing to prove and improve, Hodgson can get the best out of him in the coming seasons.
Verdict
On a free, Diame would be an excellent signing for the Eagles. Injuries and a lack of momentum prevented him from impressing at Newcastle, but he is proven in the Premier League.
Though he may not be the first choice for Roy Hodgson’s side, the 31-year-old would certainly provide solid back-up.
