Crystal Palace must hold on to Patrick van Aanholt amidst Roma interest
According to the Sun, Serie A giants and last year’s Champions League semi-finalists AS Roma are preparing a £25 million move for Crystal Palace left-back Patrick Van Aanholt in January.
Manchester City scouts have also been keeping a close eye on the Dutchman’s performances as the Citizens are in the hunt for a replacement for Benjamin Mandy but the Serie A club are set to make the first move for the 28-year-old. (h/t Sun)
Reports claim that Roma want van Aanholt as a long-term successor to the throne of former Manchester City star Aleksandar Kolarov.
Van Aanholt has been one of the bright sparks of Palace’s otherwise lacklustre campaign so far. The Eagles are currently placed 14th in the Premier League standings and Roy Hodgson’s men are battling to stay alive in the top flight after a poor start to the season.
Along with right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, van Aanholt has been a key figure for the Eagles at the back this season. Not only has he provided that much-needed stability at the back but has also provided his team with an extra attacking outlet down the left with his offensive abilities. The Dutchman has been an integral part of a backline that has conceded 25 goals in 19 games, which is quite good given their position in the standings.
The Dutchman struggled to make an impact at his teenage club Chelsea and spent time on loan at Coventry City, Newcastle and Leicester City before joining Sunderland permanently back in 2014. He proved his worth at the Stadium of Light before moving on to Crystal Palace in 2017 and he hasn’t looked back since then.
Van Aanholt is a technically gifted versatile and dynamic left-back with high levels of concentration and composure. Blessed with a good positional sense, he is a good reader of the game at the back and has the ability to cut out the attacks with crucial tackles and interceptions. Furthermore, he is a comfortable in possession and a good passer of the ball, making him a useful option going forward.
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While the transfer fee might look tempting, Crystal Palace do not have a quality replacement at left-back for the Dutchman. Jeffrey Schlupp is too error prone to rely upon and is a better player in a more advanced role while Joel Ward is certainly not of the same level as the Dutchman.
Hence, van Aanholt is an indispensable component of Palace’s backline and losing him midway through the season might deal a huge blow to their chances of survival in the top flight. That said, they should keep hold of their prized asset at all costs.
