Crystal Palace have had almost nothing to cheer about so far this season. The London outfit have managed to squeeze just four wins from twenty league games and are caught flirting with the wrong end of the league table. Appointment of Sam Allardyce at the helm of the club was a welcome change that was needed for a breather. In their objective of at least surviving in the Premier League, Crystal Palace desperately needs some ramifications in this January transfer window.
Apparently, the Eagles have smelled something gettable from which they could derive maximum utility. It is reported that Big Sam has set his sights on the French international Paul-Georges Ntep to better his side’s stature on the wings. The Rennes front man has merely six months left on his contract at the Ligue 1 outfit and has been earmarked by a host of notable clubs across Europe, considering the boxes of the elusive set of characteristics that he ticks.
Ntep has had a good start to the season, scoring 2 goals and registering 5 assists from 15 appearances in French domestic league and has also been lively in creating chances as well. His favoured position is the left wing slot, with himself being a right-footed footballer and with the electric pace that he possesses, he creates a lot of trouble to the opponents. Further, his crosses and ability to deliver from the set pieces should not go unnoticed too, and wait, did I tell you that he’s an excellent trickster with the ball?
When he broke through at Auxerre, he was vouched by many top clubs and was even linked to big moves. But he stayed and ensured that he doesn’t step into something for which he wasn’t ready. Rather, he decided to choose Rennes in search of first team football to take his career to the next level. It speaks volumes of where his priorities lie, isn’t it?
By no means is he a complete package, but that surely doesn’t mean that he isn’t a player who should not be sought after. Keeping nerves in check while he is in one-vs-one situations, the 24-year-old barely panics and makes notable contributions to the defensive aspects of his side as well. When he is on a song, he can make a difference individually and thus, he is a player who has earned the plaudits that he receives.
Crystal Palace should take the advantage of the situation by putting forth an offer Rennes cannot refuse to accept. Ntep has the potential to become one of the best players in the world and Allardyce should understand that there shall be no shortage of suitable buyers after six months. Of course, Ntep has been linked to the Premier League outfit and that Allardyce is keeping a close tap on him, but the Eagles must seal the deal before any other top club pounces in and steals their prey.
Statistics Credits: Squawka.
