Crystal Palace Opinion: Why Hodgson should make a move for Gyasi Zardes

Back in January, TEAMtalk claimed that Crystal Palace were one of the few English teams interested in Columbus Crew forward Gyasi Zardes.

The USA international, 28, joined Columbus Crew from LA Galaxy in January 2018 and enjoyed a stunning debut season, managing 19 goals and two assists in 33 league games. He has hit the ground running in the new season, managing two goals in three appearances for Columbus Crew so far and recently scored in the 1-0 victory over Ecuador.

Considering his performances of late, Crystal Palace should certainly reignite their interest in Gyasi Zardes and sign him this summer.

It is well documented that Crystal Palace need attacking reinforcements if they are to do well in the 2019/20 campaign. The current season hasn’t been great for the Eagles, with Roy Hodgson’s side just five points above the drop zone.

To solve Palace’s goalscoring woes, Hodgson signed Michy Batshuayi on loan from Chelsea in the January transfer window. Batshuayi has enjoyed a decent start at Selhurst Park, netting two goals in six games so far. What has been good to watch that since his signing Palace have now got a focal point in their attack and the Belgian’s presence has given plenty of license to Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend to play their natural game.

But Batshuayi will return back to Chelsea at the end of the season and as the Blues have been hit with a transfer ban, signing the Belgian striker permanently would be difficult for Hodgson.

Given Christian Benteke’s struggles, Palace will need a centre-forward that can link-up well with the likes of Zaha and Townsend in the final third and cause problems for the opposition.

Gyasi Zardes could be the solution to Palace’s goalscoring problems. The USA international is a versatile player that can play in every attacking position but since joining Columbus Crew last year, he has enjoyed incredible success playing as a number 9.

The 28-year-old has been decisive, lethal and clever in front of goal that saw him bag 19 goals in his debut season at Columbus Crew. Blessed with exceptional pace, dribbling skills and quick feet, the former La Galaxy man combines his technical qualities with physical traits to rip apart defences at will.

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Zardes is strong enough to keep hold of the ball but at the same time he has the cleverness to switch direction in an instant. He isn’t afraid to shoot from distance and that combined with his creativity and passing range in the final third make him a threat.

Verdict

Zardes is a very good player and has the qualities to thrive in the Premier League. At 28, he is playing in his prime and is exactly the kind of player Crystal Palace need to make a move for.