Jamal Lewis (R) in action against Watford (Getty Images)
According to Football Insider (h/t The Pink Un), Crystal Palace have firmed up their interest in signing Norwich City left-back Jamal Lewis.
Jamal Lewis, 22, emerged as a key figure for Norwich City since his first-team breakthrough in Daniel Farke’s first season at Carrow Road. The defender played a pivotal role in helping the Canaries achieve promotion to the Premier League this past summer. In March 2019, he was named in the 2018-19 Championship Team of the Season, alongside teammates Max Aarons and Teemu Pukki.
The 22-year-old started the team’s first 12 Premier League games at left-back this term. However, an injury opened the door for Sam Byram, and Lewis has started just one league match since early November.
The report (h/t The Pink Un) adds that Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson has made it one of his top priorities to recruit a new left-sided defender before the transfer window shuts.
The Eagles have seen the likes of Mamadou Sakho and Joel Ward pick up injuries this season. The latest to join the list is Patrick van Aanholt, who has missed the club’s last five Premier League matches. In Van Aanholt’s absence, Hodgson has used Jairo Riedewald at left-back and while the Dutchman has performed admirably well, the South Londoners need a natural left-back as cover in that position.
Thus, Palace’s interest in Jamal Lewis makes complete sense. He has made 15 Premier League appearances this term. He has also earned 12 caps for Northern Ireland so far.
As per WhoScored, Lewis has averaged 1.4 tackles, 0.9 interceptions, 2.1 clearances and 0.4 blocks in 15 Premier League appearances. Going forward, he has neither assisted nor scored but has made 0.5 key passes per game.
As far as Van Aanholt is concerned, the Palace star has played 17 league games so far. He has averaged 1.3 tackles, 1.6 interceptions, 1.4 clearances and 0.3 blocks. In the attack, he has scored two goals, whilst averaging 0.9 key passes. [Courtesy: WhoScored]
Van Aanholt has better numbers in certain areas than Lewis. Although he might not be an instant upgrade on Van Aanholt in terms of statistics, Lewis would be a good option to add strength to the left-back position.
Van Aanholt has been a reliable performer for Palace since joining from Sunderland in 2017. That said, he is 29 and has struggled with injuries of late. On the contrary, Lewis is just 22 and he could turn out to be a long-term successor for the Dutchman. Thus, it would be wise if the Eagles land the Northern Ireland international this month.
