According to Mirror, Leicester City are set to raid Crystal Palace in the pursuit of Andros Townsend. The ex-Tottenham attacker has impressed the onlookers with his offensive productivity as well as versatility this past season, thereby attracting the interest of Brendan Rodgers. And the report claims that the Foxes are ready to make a move for the Palace winger, who is likely to cost around £14 million.
Townsend’s impressive spell at Crystal Palace
Townsend has enjoyed a successful spell at Crystal Palace since joining the club back in 2016. The 27-year-old hasn’t been as influential as Wilfried Zaha in recent years, but he has netted 14 goals and provided 22 assists during his three-year spell with the club.
Townsend enjoyed his most productive season in the top-flight during the 2018/19 campaign as he was involved in 11 goals. He was an ever-present figure in the Palace attack, featuring in all of their 38 matches in the Premier League. The 27-year-old ended the campaign as the club’s third most productive player, helping the Eagles finish in a mid-table position in the final league standings.
What can Townsend offer to the table?
Townsend is an inverted winger, who generally likes to play on the right flank. He often cuts inside and looks to produce a curling effort on goal, much like Arjen Robben. He has attempted 1.7 shots per game this past season, more than half of which have come from outside the box.
However, he can also stay out wide and whip in crosses into the box, depending on the situation. His quick footwork allows him to get past defenders or wriggle his way through tight situations, with the attacker averaging 1.5 successful dribbles per game.
The Palace attacker is a versatile operator as well, who can be deployed in the false number nine position. When featuring in a central role, Townsend often looks to make runs in behind the defence.
Should Leicester make a move for Townsend?
Townsend will be an excellent addition to the Leicester City attack. The 27-year-old is an experienced individual who can add more depth in the final third.
Especially in the wide-department, the Foxes have lacked resources following the departure of Riyad Mahrez last summer. Townsend, to that end, will be able to add more quality to that position as well as providing additional competition to the likes of Marc Albrighton and Demarai Gray.
However, it remains to be seen whether or not Crystal Palace will be happy to let Townsend leave the club amid speculations linking Zaha to a move away from Selhurst Park this summer.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
