How Crystal Palace's signings graded this season - News Shopper
Aug 4, 2019Cheikhou Kouyate The 29-year-old was the summer’s BIG arrival at a fee of £9.5million. And for the price, he’s been a steal. It took two substitute appearances before he got his full debut against Huddersfield in September, but since then he’s cemented himself as one of Hodgson’s most reliable men. With his speed, strength and athleticism he’s dovetailed well with Milivojevic and McArthur in the middle of the park making 31 league appearances, with a fine showing in the 3-2 away win over Arsenal the highlight. Able to play as a holding midfielder or the box-to-box midfielder, he’s proven to be a shrewd bit of business by Steve Parish and Hodgson. Grade: B Michy Batshuayi The move no-one in football saw coming. The move that MADE deadline day remotely interesting for the Premier League in January. His arrival on loan from Chelsea after an indifferent spell in Spain with Valencia was more than welcome at Selhurst after six-months of having no recognised striker fit in the ranks. With an instant impact on debut against Fulham, his shot parried to Jeffrey Schlupp to slot home, fans were thinking they have found the missing piece of the jigsaw. Quick, strong, and a predator in the box, he’s netted five times in 11 appearances, two of those from the bench. Hodgson has spoke highly of the forward and is not shy in stating his interest in signing the Belgian again in the summer, on loan or permanently. Grade: A Batshuayi to Palace ain’t happening no way we can afford him — Liam (@LJT90CP) May 13, 2019 I would just like to reiterate how much I have loved having Batshuayi at Palace this season. He was by far my favourite player outside the club before he joined and having him was literally a dream come true. Love you @mbatshuayi ???? — Talk Crystal Palace (@TalkCPFC) May 13, 2019 I love Batshuayi and I'd love us to keep him, but with his quality, why would he wanna sign for us? It's sad given the squad and potential we have — Danny Dell (@DannyDell97) March 16, 2019 READ: ...