It’s been a mixed season so far for Crystal Palace. Roy Hodgson has managed to keep his team above water, but only just. Indeed, the Eagles are still within touching distance of the relegation zone, and that’s not a good place for them to be.
Fortunately, their win over Fulham at the weekend puts them in a better position than they were in previously, and that’s great for the club.
Even more good news comes in the form of their deadline day actions. Indeed, Palace were able to bring in Belgian forward Michy Batshuayi on-loan from Chelsea, and that offers Roy Hodgson another great option going forward. He’s lacked versatility in the attack throughout the season, but Batshuayi should give him another choice to make – and that bodes well.
But how exactly could Batshuayi fit into this team? There are a few ways, to be honest, but perhaps he could link-up with his compatriot Christian Benteke.
Wilfried Zaha hasn’t been as effective this season, but there’s one big reason why that was the case: he hasn’t been able to play in his usual position. Indeed, Zaha has been forced into the middle of the pitch on more than one occasion this season, due to a lack of attacking depth at Selhurst Park. That’s no longer the case, and so perhaps he can go back out on the left. There, he’s able to cut in and drive towards goal, and this will allow him to make more of an impact going forward. He needs to find his goalscoring touch, and he must go back to basics to get there.
Likewise, Andros Townsend is a natural choice on the right. The winger is quick and energetic, and he’s far more of a natural winger than Zaha – in that he prefers to drive down the wings and cross into the box. This gives Palace’s two wings a contrasting style – and that makes them even more effective.
In the attack, perhaps a two-pronged system utilising both Christian Benteke and Michy Batshuayi makes sense. They’re both Belgian and have international caps under their belt, and so perhaps there’s already a relationship between the pair. Either way, their styles should match up well – with Benteke offering more physicality and height and Batshuayi able to make use of his deadly finishing to help Palace get some goals on the board.
This attack is filled with quality and strength, and not only does the arrival of Batshuayi give Hodgson another attacking option – but he could help get everyone else back into their desired positions too.
Thoughts?
