Why Crystal Palace must make a move for Houssem Aouar in January
Emerging Lyon talent Houssem Aouar is turning heads in Europe with his dazzling displays in Ligue 1 this season. In fact, the 20-year-old had actually caught the attention of Liverpool back in June but a move never materialized in the summer transfer window.
Houssem Aouar is displaying his quality week in and week out in Lyon colours, having already scored four goals in 12 Ligue 1 games. Keeping the youngster’s quality and potential in mind, Crystal Palace should make a move for him in January.
Crystal Palace have not made a good start in the new Premier League season, having mustered just eight points in 11 games. The Eagles are struggling to defend as well as score goals at the other end but truth to be told, it’s the midfield that has disappointed the most.
Roy Hodgson has a plethora of options in midfield to choose from but his team have lacked stability in the midfield. The Palace manager has preferred to play with four midfielders in either a 4-4-1-1 or 4-4-2 formation.
Luka Milivojevic has been a regular fixture in the team due to his ability to screen the defence and pop up with odd goals. Max Meyer, signed on a free transfer from Lyon earlier this summer, is yet to find his feet in the Premier League, while summer acquisition from West Ham—Cheikhou Kouyate—has been disappointing. James McArthur, who is a tigerish central midfielder, has been ineffective from the wings.
Truly, Crystal Palace lacks a creative midfielder who can play in the hole behind the striker or in an advanced position just off the left. Lyon’s Houssem Aouar would be excellent for Palace in that case. Not only would he give balance to the side but also bring creativity from midfield.
Aouar made his first-team debut for Lyon in 2017 and established himself as one of Ligue 1’s bright young talents over the course of last season. He can play a variety of roles in the middle of the park but is most effective on the left.
The Frenchman is a technically gifted midfielder with classy moves and his presence would not only create a lot of goalscoring opportunities for the Eagles but also refine their overall display in front of goal.
Aouar has the kind of flexibility that Roy Hodgson loves to have. But he won’t be available for cheap as Aouar signed a new five-year deal with Lyon back in July.
Read more: Enough is enough – It is high time for Crystal Palace to utilize this summer arrival and spice up the midfield
Hence, if Palace are to sign Aouar in January, they would need to break their bank.