Who is Crystal Palace target Wilfried Kanon? Here’s everything about the player
According to the Sun, Premier League club Crystal Palace are targeting Dutch club De Haag’s centre-back Wilfried Kanon. Eagles manager Roy Hodgson is looking to bolster the defensive department of the team, and Ivorian defender is high on the shopping list.
With Scott Dann injured, Palace are a little short on options in central defence. Hence, it makes sense from their point of view to target a quality centre-back in the winter transfer window.
Kanon has received rave reviews for his performance in the last year or so. Some of the top English and Spanish clubs are also keeping close tabs on him. Everton were said to be targeting him in the summer. (Sun)
The 25-year-old’s contract runs until 2022, however, Den Haag are resigned to the fact that the player would leave the club if an offer comes in with a decent valuation. (Sun)
Here’s everything you need to know about the Ivorian:
Scout Report – Wilfried Kanon
Age – 25
Current Club – ADO Den Haag
Position – Defender (Centre, left)
Kanon made his youth debut in Empoli’s junior team in the Italian Primavera back in 2010, at the age of 17. In 2012, he switched to Romania, playing for Gloria Bistrita. The Ivorian impressed during the trial period, forcing the hands of the senior team coach to sign him on a permanent deal.
The 25-year-old joined the Dutch club ADO Den Haag in 2013 and has been at the club since. He has featured 89 times for the team. The centre-back has also played 21 times for his national team.
Kanon is a commanding centre-back who possesses the required height (188cm) to dominate centre-forwards aerially. He has a fantastic footballing mind, which enables him to make tackles and interceptions without much fuss. It also helps the Ivorian to block and make important clearances.
All in all, the 25-year-old is a proper old-fashioned centre-back who focuses on defending rather than thinking too much about what to do with the ball. Hence, the indication is clear that he is not a very good passer of the ball. However, under Hodgson, the first thing is to be a defender, and Kanon would be a good one.
Verdict
Wilfried Kanon is a very fine centre-back who deservedly gets positive reviews from some of the big clubs. If Palace are looking for a defender to improve their back-line, the Ivorian could be the one.