Crystal Palace have made a disappointing start to the season with only one win from their first four games. In fact, it looks like Roy Hodgson’s team might have to battle it out to survive in the Premier League. Although it would be too early to write them off, their lack of consistency could return to bite them later.
Palace have been let down by star man Christian Benteke. The Belgian is yet to score a goal this season and has failed to find the target with his headers from close range. While Benteke’s lack of composure has not helped Palace, Wilfried Zaha, who made a bright start to the season with a couple of goals, is also sidelined due to an injury.
Andros Townsend and Luka Milivojevic, stars of Palace’s previous Premier League campaign, have also not lived up to expectations.
Apart from signing Max Meyer for free, Palace did not notably bolster their squad. Cheikhou Kouyate was bought from West Ham United to add strength to the central midfield while the Eagles secured the services of Jordan Ayew on a season-long loan from Swansea City.
But here are two missed targets Palace should sign in January.
According to the Mirror, Palace were potential suitors for Aston Villa’s highly-rated midfield sensation Jack Grealish. Although the Eagles inquired about the 22-year-old, a move to the Premier League did not materialize for the £30m-rated star.
A central attacking midfielder by trade, Grealish’s style of play is defined by his sharpness and agility. With quick reflexes and nimble feet, the player is capable of completing aesthetic dribbles. The 22-year-old has good vision and he could be the perfect man to link play with Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend in the attacking third.
He also has the ability to drift into wider positions, where he tends to deliver accurate crosses into the box. Thus, he could also be the ideal feeder for someone like Christian Benteke.
According to Football London, the 28-year-old West Bromwich Albion midfielder was another player who was linked with a move to Selhurst Park. Roy Hodgson has worked with Livermore previously. In fact, he handed the central midfielder his debut for the Three Lions during his tenure as the coach of the national side.
The versatile 28-year-old has the ability to play as a central defensive midfielder and a centre-back which should make him a good addition to Palace’s squad. Livermore has been in good form in the Championship this season, playing every minute of West Brom’s first six games where he has already registered an assist.
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The English international’s concentration never wavers and he is composed enough to make key tackles and interceptions in the centre of the park. Furthermore, he can keep things ticking in the midfield with his range of passing.