Over the summer, Steve Parish and co have been very busy improving their squad ready for next season. If you were Alan Pardew, it’s fair to say you’d be getting excited for the new season. Crystal Palace haven’t been afraid to put their hands in their pockets since the transfer window opened, and they’ve brought in some top talent, and an excellent future prospect who is widely tipped to become big.
With plenty of signings confirmed, and another soon the be announced, Pardew will have his line up in perfect shape for next season. Here’s how the Eagles Element think he should go about it.
Goalkeeper – Julian Speroni
Let’s get the ball rolling. Julian Speroni has to start in goal for Palace, and will do for two, maybe three more seasons. The Argentine ‘keeper is a fan favourite at Selhurst Park, after staying consistent, and bearing with the Eagles as they went through their tough time in administration. Speroni is in his element playing in the Premier League, and never looks out of place. His confidence, alongside his technique in his saves are what makes him so important to Pardew’s side. It’s good for him to have competition however, and it seems like that may come in the name of QPR ‘keeper, Alex McCarthy.
Right Back – Joel Ward
Another impressive star for Palace last campaign, including in the tricky spell under Neil Warnock, was English full-back Joel Ward. The former Portsmouth defender has an eager work rate, and knows how to play football. Ward also had a temporary spell at centre-midfield, where he did impress but it’s fair to say his strong position is down that right wing, behind Bolaise or Zaha etc. With age not a problem for Ward, and the fact he’s English (and is actually good!) – Palace have pulled a bargain here.
Centre Back – Damien Delaney
Damien Delaney has been an instrumental part of Crystal Palace’s defence, since the season they won promotion. No matter what manager has been in charge at Selhust Park, Delaney is always on the team-sheet. Strong in the air and having well timed interceptions are part of Delaney’s game. His partnership with his fellow central defender, Scott Dann, also makes Palace a hard team to break down. Delaney has been gradually progressing season after season. Delaney has now made over 100 appearances for the Eagles.
Centre Back – Scott Dann
Scott Dann, who has recently signed a new deal at Selhurst Park, is the final piece of the defensive duo. The Englishman arrived at Selhurst Park with no-one knowing what to expect, but the man who made the switch from Blackburn Rovers in 2014 has proved that he is one of the most consistent defenders in the English Premier League. Dann has now featured more than 50 times for the South London club, and signing the new bumper deal only means he will keep progressing as a defender. The five-year-deal was something Alan Pardew clearly wanted, and it’s ended interest from fellow Premier League side Everton.
Left Back – Pape Souaré
Last January, Senegal international Pape Souaré made the switch to Premier League football from Ligue 1 outfit LOSC Lille. Despite only making 10 appearances last year, Souare will be hoping he can impress next season. Palace fans are abit ‘on the fence’ with this one, but at the moment, Souare is probably their strong left back that offers the most both attackingly and defensively.
Centre Midfield – Yohan Cabaye
I think this one is clear. Yohan Cabaye hasn’t been brought in by Steve Parish to sit on the bench, and no-one can see that. With captain Mile Jedinak not having one of his best seasons last campaign, former Newcastle United man Cabaye could potentially grab the Australian’s position and make a partnership with James McArthur, who tends to impress the majority when he plays. This is a huge signing for Palace, and Cabaye will have a massive role at the club from the upcoming season. Will it work? We think so.
Centre Midfield – James McCarthur
Since making the move to Selhurst Park from the DW Stadium last summer, £7m-rated James McArthur has impressed in the majority of appearances for the Red & Blue men. Sitting deep in the middle of the park, McArthur knows how to string passes across varied distances, and can make attacks happen. Recently, he has also committed his future to Crystal Palace, setting aside any interest from elsewhere.
Right Wing – Wilfried Zaha
He’s just too good for you. Crystal Palace fans love him, and he loves them. Zaha played a massive part in the season in which Palace won promotion to the Premier League, netting twice at Brighton and winning the penalty at Wembley against Watford that Kevin Phillips struck home. Since Zaha’s return from his £15m move to Manchester United, he has picked up from where he left off. Despite it not working out for the English international at Old Trafford, he has come back down to South London and returns to terrorising defenders, along with the duo of Jason Puncheon and Yannick Bolasie.
Central Attacking Midfielder – Jason Puncheon
Jason Puncheon is a local man, but has switched to Selhurst Park from (not so local) Southampton, back in 2014. To start, Puncheon’s stay was only temporary, but the Eagles moved swiftly to make it permanent. Slotting inbetween Zaha and Bolasie, Puncheon knows where the net is. His set-pieces, mainly his free-kicks, are delightful to watch, as he bagged a few last season. Like McCarthur and co, Puncheon can peform a varied amount of distances when he’s passing. Puncheon has quickly become one of Pardew’s more important stars in the line-up, as you know you’ll get 100% from him the majority of the time.
Left Wing – Yannick Bolasie
Yannick Bolasie’s season last campaign was superb. The 26-year-old really announced himself on the Premier League stage. His skill, alongside his pace and ability to dribble, make him such an important player to Pardew. One thing that Bolasie needs to sharpen up on is his ability to score goals – and it came last season. He even bagged himself at hat-trick at Sunderland away! Bolasie will again be instrumental in Pardew’s side for next season, and the only way is up for the DR Congo international.
Striker – Dwight Gayle / Glenn Murray
On a personal level, I’m torn on this one because it’s evident I want Gayle to stay. However, if he doesn’t, and he’s not replaced, I think Murray can easily slot back into the striker role. Palace can play to fit both of these strikers needs. If Murray is up top, they know how dominant he is in the air, so long balls across the park work a treat. However, if Gayle’s on, the ball will go to feet where he can be deadly (as Liverpool are aware). However, Palace are being linked with several strikers, including Loic Remy from Chelsea, so time will only tell.
