Home » Teams » Crystal Palace » Crystal Palace must address their goalkeeping woes and signing this 24-year-old Italian is possibly their best bet – Here is why

Crystal Palace must address their goalkeeping woes and signing this 24-year-old Italian is possibly their best bet – Here is why

Crystal Palace Opinion: Can Alessio Cragno make an impact at Crystal Palace next season?

When 39-year-old Julian Speroni had to be called in to step up against Liverpool, Crystal Palace were in trouble. But that was the best case scenario, with Vicente Guaita and Wayne Hennessey both out injured for quite a long time.

While both stars have returned to action, manager Roy Hodgson still needs another goalkeeper if he intends to have a chance at surviving next season. At the moment, the Eagles sit at 13th place, eight points above relegation with a considerable gap separating them and the relegation zone.

But given their situation between the sticks, things could have gotten a lot worse and that’s something that needs to change. While the Eagles did add Lucas Perri to their line-up, the Brazilian isn’t the best goalkeeper to help them survive the Premier League.

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However, that being said, it’s exactly why Crystal Palace have to keep an eye on Caliari Calcio star Alessio Cragno. The 24-year-old was gifted his first-team chance after an injury to first-choice keeper Simone Colombi just over four years ago, and hasn’t looked back.

While he did struggle to make an impact initially, since then, the Italian has taken his chances by the neck and made the most of it. His second and third season were impressive campaigns, with him keeping 26 clean sheets, proving to be a key part of the team.

Moreover, his performances played a huge role as Caliari Calcio climbed back from the Serie B into the Serie A, with Cragno honing his skills in the lower leagues. It was there that the Italian improved a lot, slowly adjusting to the demand that modern-day goalkeepers have to be able to use their feet.

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But he took to it brilliantly, adapting to manager Rolando Maran’s demands, even improving his reflexes. The former Brescia starlet has everything to become a top goalkeeper, making up for his 6ft frame with intelligent position, athleticism and composure with lightning quick reflexes.

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All that simply adds to his value and for Crystal Palace, it’s a move that they need to make to secure their future. Because if there is one thing that Alessio Cragno, it’s that he’s better than any goalkeeper currently at Crystal Palace.

If Palace don’t sign a new goalkeeper, things could go from bad to worse.