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Crystal Palace would become a very strong unit if they manage to sign this 3-time PL winner in January

Why Crystal Palace should definitely make a move for Yaya Toure

Crystal Palace picked up a much-needed 1-0 victory against Leicester City in the Premier League this weekend. It was a much more disciplined and composed performance from Roy Hodgson’s side who were languishing just above the relegation zone going into this game.

But the Eagles ultimately came out on top through Luka Milivojevic’s goal which handed them all three points. Over the last couple of seasons, Palace have found it hard to score goals on a consistent basis. The burden has heavily been placed on Wilfried Zaha all these years and it’s starting to take a toll on the club.

The supply from the midfield has been very minimal as well and Roy Hodgson is definitely going to have to jump into the transfer market when it reopens in January. One man he can take a look at is Yaya Toure.

Yaya Toure of Manchester City
Yaya Toure

The former Manchester City midfielder joined Olympiakos after leaving the Premier League, although he has made just one start in the league and one start in the Europa League. Hodgson could certainly do with a player of the Ivorian’s stature.

Toure was once one of the Premier League’s finest midfielder and was capable of functioning in a wide number of roles. He is comfortable sitting deep and dictating the play and also capable of playing up front to support the attack in the final third.

The Ivorian has played a total of 230 league games for Manchester City, scoring 62 goals and providing 32 assists. Generally regarded as a central midfielder, Toure possesses a superb ball-retention ability and can dribble past defenders seamlessly. (Stats courtesy – Premier League)

His towering presence and aggression on the ball often intimidate the opposition. One of his best qualities is that he can pick up the ball from the deep areas and drive forward in search of goals. Not only is he good at creating chances, but the 3-time PL winner is a goal machine himself.

He’s a good finisher and can have a go from outside the box as well. The 35-year-old is also an able set-piece and penalty taker. What makes him even more enticing is his defensive work rate and his ability to shut out passes in the middle of the park.

With Toure pulling the strings in the middle for the Eagles, Roy Hodgson will certainly receive more stability and security on the pitch. The likes of Andros Townsend, Jordan Ayew and Wilfried Zaha will also receive a lot more opportunities to score going forward.

Read more: Crystal Palace’s defence would become rock solid if they manage to land this out of favour Man City star in January

Crystal Palace should certainly bring Yaya Toure back to the Premier League. He may not be the all-action midfielder he once was but the Ivorian possesses the experience to turn things around at Selhurst Park.