Crystal Palace Opinion: Why Christian Kouame will be a top fit for the Eagles
According to a report from Calciomercato, Crystal Palace are keen to bring Genoa starlet Christian Kouame to the Premier League but face competition from defending Serie A clubs Juventus and AS Roma.
The Ivorian, 21, arrived only arrived at Genoa from Serie B outfit Cittadella in July but he has been a smash hit in his debut season at Stadio Luigi Ferraris. He has netted four goals and assisted as many times in his first season in the top tier of Italian football.
The report adds that any club willing to buy Christian Kouame this summer will have to splash around £22million, with Genoa refusing to let their prize asset go on the cheap. So what should be Crystal Palace’s stand in the summer?
Without much hesitation, the Eagles should meet Genoa’s valuation and sign the 21-year-old forward. Roy Hodgson’s side have struggled royally for goals, with Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend starting up front together for large the majority of the current campaign.
The deadline day loan signing of Michy Batshuayi from Chelsea in January plus the return of Christian Benteke from injury has eased those problems to some extent, but in general the team needs a reliable goal-scorer next season.
This summer transfer window could be perfect for Hodgson to offload Benteke and use those funds for investing on a new centre-forward. Replacing Benteke with Christian Kouame would be a step in the right direction as the Ivorian has all the attributes to be a good fit for the Premier League.
Standing at 6ft 1in tall, Kouame is a strong, powerful forward who possesses an obvious aerial threat.
The 21-year-old isn’t all about strength and power, he is also a composed finisher in front of goal — four goals and four assists in his breakthrough Serie A season at such a tender age is a commendable numbers.
His game awareness belies his age and he is also adept at linking up with his teammates in the final third.
The young Ivorian is a tireless worker off the ball, always ready to drop down to help his teammates whenever required. Kouame is not only a goalscorer; he can also create chances for his colleagues and the four assists in the Serie A this season is suggestive of his all-rounded abilities.
Conclusion
The fact that Kouame is just 21 suggests he has lots of room for improvement. He is a player with massive potential and with the right guidance can certainly unlock it in the near future.
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The Ivorian can fulfill his potential at Selhurst Park under Hodgson and take the Eagles to a new level altogether. All in all, Kouame possesses the qualities to be an excellent addition for Palace.
