After a season of complete disappointment, Alan Pardew will be looking for a much better showing from his side this term. The last season was an up and down one as the Eagles were in contention for a top-four finish in the first half of the season and were almost dragged into the relegation scrap in the second half. The Eagles have made three quality additions to their squad this summer in the form of Andros Townsend, Steve Mandanda and James Tomkins and a few more signings should be on the cards before the window slams closed.
With the Premier League set to kick off next weekend, we will be looking at three players to watch out for.
Jonathan Williams
The 22-year-old Welsh international is now a full-fledged international for Wales and had a decent Euro 2016 campaign. Even though the youngster graduated from the Eagles’ very own academy, he is yet to make it big with the South London side. Williams saw himself being shipped out on loan to three different clubs in the last two years but this should be his chance to shine for his boyhood club. Williams is a versatile midfielder who can play anywhere in midfield and is likely to get a decent game time this season.
Andros Townsend
The 25-year-old got a lifeline to save his career by Newcastle United in January after being frozen out of favour at Spurs and he took his chance perfectly. Even though he could not inspire the Magpies to stay up in the Premier League, Townsend’s individual display was brilliant which is well reflected from his tally of 4 goals and 2 assists from 13 Premier League games. His brilliant display for the Magpies offered him another chance in the Premier League despite Newcastle’s relegation and the English international would be eager to return the favour to Alan Pardew who believed in him.
Steve Mandanda
Wayne Hennessey had a shaky last season making some costly mistakes under the bar for the Eagles and it has cost him quite big. Steve Mandanda was signed by Pardew this summer and is expected to push Hennessey to the bench. The Frenchman is a highly experienced keeper boasting 439 appearances for Ligue 1 giants Marseille and will be a big influence on the squad with his leadership and ability to organise his back four. Mandanda is definitely a player to watch out for next season.
