- Socceroo impresses on World Cup debut
- Youngster fits Palace’s model
- Questions over disciplinary record
Crystal Palace will be looking to bolster their squad ahead of the upcoming season, with Europa League football adding a new level of difficulty after the Eagles navigated the Conference League last season.
Whilst new starting-quality players are not necessarily required, as long as no major sales are made, improving depth will be crucial to allow for rotation during another demanding season.
This will likely mean resorting to younger players who will be accepting of less guaranteed game time but the promise that strong performances will provide minutes.
The World Cup is always an exciting tournament for this type of player, and just five days into the tournament we have seen the likes of Morocco, Sweden and many more platforming exciting young talent.
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Palace-suited performance
Many players have stood out at the tournament so far, but one man’s performance was eye-catching beyond face value. Australia beat Turkey 2-0 in one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far, executing what Palace fans have described as a ‘Larnaca style win’.
Despite facing relentless pressure from Turkey, the Socceroos stood strong and hit twice on the break, with clinical finishes from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe, and a man-of-the-match performance from ‘keeper Patrick Beach.
The standout from a Palace perspective in terms of a potential fit at Selhurst Park was the first goalscorer, Irankunda. His “unstoppable” pace and clinical finishing on the break were extremely ‘Palace-coded ’ and would suit incoming manager Pierre Sage’s style well.
Is it a realistic signing?
Irankunda is just 20 years old and became the youngest Australian ever to score at a World Cup when he found the net against Turkey.
He burst onto the scene at Adelaide United, where he was fantastic, setting numerous records for the A-League, some of which still stand today.
A move to Bayern Munich was his reward, signing for the Bavarians at just 18. He never played a minute for Bayern’s first team, and after a loan spell at Grasshopper Club Zurich, Watford signed Irankunda for £2.6m last Summer.
His first year in English football was a mixed bag, with four goals and four assists in 42 appearances for the Hornets.
Now at the World Cup, he’s played one and scored one, and looked like a bright spark too.
There are questions surrounding his attitude and application, with Watford fans suggesting that he may believe he’s a step above the Championship club. His discipline is listed as a weakness on many popular sites, which could be a concern for any interested clubs.
Twelve yellow cards and one red in 42 games isn’t the prettiest of records, and that side of his game would need to be addressed.
However, there’s no doubting the raw ability and talent that Irankunda possesses.
He would suit Palace’s general style of play and also the transfer model of buying young talents to develop, and whilst there haven’t been any concrete links, it’s certainly one to keep an eye on.
