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3 PL Forwards Who Can Replace The Injured Benteke At Crystal Palace, Including This Liverpool Star

Christian Benteke of Crystal Palace
Christian Benteke

Three Players Who Can Replace Christian Benteke At Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace are currently in complete shambles after failing to grab a single point from 7 league outings where they have scored none and conceded 17 times. The Eagles are currently languishing at rock bottom in the league table and things have not improved despite bringing in veteran Roy Hodgson as their manager, replacing Dutchman Frank De Boer. Sacking De Boer might not be the solution here as the concerns are much deep-rooted and alarming for the London outfit who failed to do enough transfer business this summer.

Palace had a poor 2016-17 Premier League season under Alan Pardew and a relegation scare was looming large upon them last season. He was eventually replaced by veteran Sam Allardyce who turned their campaign around and successfully retained their Premier League status. Mamadou Sakho did sensationally well following a January loan move and helped them fix things up at the back, snatching some crucial results against the big guns of the league.

Allardyce, however, quit his job earlier this summer and De boer was brought in to work as his long-term successor with a view to rebuild the squad and establish Palace as an admirable Premier League force.

Although they made Sakho’s move permanent, Palace’s other transfer businesses were not convincing enough to ensure survival, especially after a nervy 2016-17 campaign where they lacked depth and enough quality in few slots.

They signed young defender Jaïro Riedewald from Ajax and loaned in Manchester United youngster Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Chelsea’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek for the season but failed to bring in cover for hitman Christian Benteke, who has been badly out of form. He now injured for at least a month to add to their misery. Connor Wickham, the other centre-forward, is ruled out for a lengthy spell following his ACL rupture and Hodgson must focus on bringing in a striker in January.

Prime transfer activities are usually not accessible in January and considering Crystal Palace’s current status, players won’t fancy plying their trades at Selhurst Park. Yet, here are a few players who they can approach to strengthen their attack.

Leonardo Ulloa

The Argentine forward was Leicester’s club-record signing from Brighton & Hove Albion when they got promoted to Premier League during the 2014-15 season. Ulloa was a regular starter for the Foxes as he netted 11 league goals and played a key role in saving their relegation. The 31-year old attacker’s game-time, however, became limited from the following campaign due to Jamie Vardy’s emergence and he now has a fringe squad role after slipping down the pecking order behind Vardy, Islam Slimani, Kelechi Iheanacho and Ahmed Musa. He has reiterated his desire to move elsewhere and might accept an offer from Crystal Palace in order to play regularly, and replicate the same like he did in his debut Premier League campaign three years back.

Danny Ings

The 25-year-old Englishman joined Liverpool from Burnley a couple of years back and earned first-team status under former gaffer Brendan Rodgers after impressing in front of goal. But two back to back knee injuries ruined his progress as he was ruled out for two successive campaigns. But he is now fit and is featuring regularly for the U23s to sharpen up his fitness.

He also had a substitute appearance in the League Cup tie against Leicester City and a loan move in January will help him be ready prior to the next campaign, in order to challenge for a regular slot in Klopp’s squad. He is known for his goal-poaching instinct, hard work, and movement inside the box. His presence will help Crystal Palace solve their purpose as they have looked so static inside the box so far.

Aleksander Mitrovic

The 23-year-old Serbian had a disappointing inception of his Premier League career for Newcastle United but improved later on as he netted 9 times in 34 league appearances. Despite the Magpies’ relegation to Championship, he stayed there and helped his side return to the Premier League under Rafa Benitez.

The player, however, has not been in the Spaniard’s plans this term and might seek a move away in January as he searches for regular game-time. Although he is undisciplined at times and a little inconsistent on the pitch, his profile will suit Palace’s style of football as their long balls and crosses will help him utilise his physical and aerial presence inside the box.

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