Why Crystal Palace missed a trick by failing to sign Yaya Toure
Yaya Toure’s agent Dimitry Seluk took to social media platform Twitter on Tuesday to reveal all but his next club. Seluk announced that his client had passed a medical in London and would soon sign a contract. Subsequently, the likes of West Ham United and Crystal Palace were quickly crossed off the list of possible destinations by Seluk himself.
The 35-year-old Ivorian parted ways with Manchester City after an eight-year stay at the Etihad. Last season, Toure played a marginal role as City went on to be crowned Premier League champions. The midfield dynamo managed a single start in the final fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Times has reported that Yaya Toure is likely to rejoin Olympiakos. He had spent a single season with the Greek side, before signing for Monaco in 2006. The club is owned by shipping magnate Evangelos Marinakis, who also owns Nottingham Forest. However, have Crystal Palace missed out on a good signing?
Now, there is no denying the fact that Yaya Toure is past his peak and well into the twilight years of his career. However, the Eagles have struggled in recent times to control games in the middle of the park. A midfield enforcer like Toure would have been a valuable addition. He might not be as mobile as he was a few years ago but his intelligent reading of the game, positional awareness and passing skills could have added balance to Palace’s midfield.
As Liverpool’s recent visit to Selhurst Park proved, this is a midfield that can be overrun with ease. Toure would have offered a new strategy through central midfield, particularly when supplying long balls to Wilfried Zaha and Christian Benteke fails to work. His imposing frame could have been key in winning aerial duels as well.
Crystal Palace currently sit 10th on the log after a single win and two defeats in the three opening Premier League games. Earlier in the summer, the Eagles signed attacking midfielder Max Meyer and defensive midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate to reinforce their midfield.
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But Toure could have replaced Yohan Cabaye in central midfield. In fact, partnering him with Luka Milivojevic could have Palace stamp their authorities in numerous games. Hence, it is evident that Toure would have a good signing for Crystal Palace. And their failure to bring him to Selhurst Park could come back to haunt them in the near future.
