Crystal Palace agreeing on a deal to sign this £10m-rated teenager is a wise move

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Rohan Sengupta

Why Crystal Palace should go for West Brom’s Nathan Ferguson

According to Daily Mail, Crystal Palace have agreed on a deal with West Brom for £10m-rated full-back Nathan Ferguson.

Nathan Ferguson, 19, has impressed this season for Slaven Bilic’s West Brom. The full-back has made 21 appearances in the Championship, scoring and assisting a goal each. However, the teenager would have been out of contract at the end of the season, Evening Standard claims.

Crystal Palace failed to replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka before the start of the season, with the right-back making a high-profile switch to Manchester United. Aaron Wan-Bissaka was outstanding last year for Palace and his departure has been felt at Selhurst Park, with neither Joel Ward nor Martin Kelly impressing at right-back.

Nathan Ferguson of West Bromwich Albion competes for the ball with Kasey Palmer of Bristol City in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between West Bromwich Albion and Bristol City at The Hawthorns on November 27, 2019 in West Bromwich, England. (Getty Images)
Nathan Ferguson of West Bromwich Albion competes for the ball with Kasey Palmer of Bristol City in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between West Bromwich Albion and Bristol City at The Hawthorns on November 27, 2019, in West Bromwich, England. (Getty Images)

Ward started the season as Palace’s first-choice right-back following the departure of Wan-Bissaka. However, constant injuries, especially in recent weeks, became a cause of concern for the Eagles. Martin Kelly deputized in Ward’s absence but right-back was an area Roy Hodgson had to reinforce.

And to that end, agreeing on a deal to sign Nathan Ferguson is a step in the right direction. As per WhoScored, Ferguson has averaged 2.4 tackles, 0.9 interceptions, 1.7 clearances and 0.2 blocks in 20 Championship appearances this season. Going forward, he has scored a goal, registered an assist and made 0.3 key passes per game.

As far as Ward is concerned, the Palace right-back has played just 15 league games due to injury problems. He has averaged 1.9 tackles, 1.5 interceptions, 2.9 clearances and 0.3 blocks. Offensively, he is yet to contribute with a goal or an assist. [Courtesy: WhoScored]

Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson. (Getty Images)
Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson. (Getty Images)

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Though Ward has better numbers in certain areas, it has to be noted that he has played lesser than Ferguson. As far as the aforementioned stats are concerned, although not an instant upgrade on Ward, Ferguson would be a smart option to add strength to Palace’s right-back position.

Verdict

The teenager is capable of playing in either full-back role. Hence, the Eagles agreeing on a deal to sign the 19-year-old from West Brom is a wise move.