Crystal Palace are marginally breathing just above the relegation zone on the basis of goal difference after 21 league outings this season. Their latest game ended in a 3-0 defeat at the hands of West Ham United which further deepened the question mark whether they are going to be in the top flight of English football next season. As the Premier League moves towards the climax end, the teams placed at the vicinity of the last three spots are going to get into nasty battles to stay out of stagnation.
Under the tutelage of veteran manager Sam Allardyce, the Eagles will back themselves due to the experience the former English national team manager has at his disposal in such crunch circumstances. Big Sam knows the importance of the ongoing transfer window and would leave no stone unturned to ensure that he has the necessary resources to avoid relegation and no wonder why he has his sights set on the out-of-favour Juventus defender, Patrice Evra.
The former Manchester United defender has been overlooked at the Serie A side and has been handed merely 6 league appearances this term, though he hasn’t been bad as he’s won 4 tackles and made 3 interceptions, 2 blocks and 16 clearances for the Old Lady. However, the 35-year-old believes that he still has the fire in his belly to steer up and down the pitch meticulously, and is thus looking for a side that can hand him regular playing time.
One might not argue on the perception that he is still good enough for a struggling side like the Eagles. Let’s not forget that Evra still has an unconditional love for the Premier League and thus, Selhurst Park can very well be the next destination for him to ply his trade at.
Apart from intrinsic characteristics of veteran defender, Crystal Palace do need to instil some confidence, including a sense of positivism and a leader to do that. To pull his side out of the clutches of relegation, someone like Evra, who has bundles of experience under his belt, a winning mentality and commanding knowledge of the game is needed at this point of time at the London based club.
Allardyce must take this calculated risk of bringing in a player who has resilience and solidity and who has had the experience of the Premier League for years and can thus lend a helping hand and coincidentally, Evra ticks all of these boxes.
Statistics Credits: Squawka
