Why Crystal Palace must keep hold of Townsend amidst Newcastle interest

One player who has always flattered to deceive, in all the clubs he’s played so far, is Andros Townsend. The Englishman has had stellar phases where his football has really impressed but at the same time, he hasn’t been able to make a significant impact to warrant a permanent place in any of the clubs that he has played for.

During his time at Tottenham, he had a little phase where it looked like he would turn into a more exciting attacking player, replete with the skills and assists required to succeed. However, he wasn’t able to sustain the same and this resulted in his transfer to Newcastle and then to Crystal Palace.

Newcastle have now been linked with a move for Andros Townsend, who is rated at £17m by Palace.

He’s got a good squad to play with

While Newcastle possess a stronger squad than Crystal Palace on paper, they do not have the team cohesion that the Eagles have. He is a player who will get more game time with Palace and with the likes of Zaha raising his game, he can be a real success in London.

Moreover, he has a lot of qualities that can be of real use at Selhurst Park. His set-piece ability and his blistering pace are more suited to their style of play as opposed to Newcastle’s more central approach to attacking. Townsend can cause a lot of damage playing on the wings and if he has to move to the middle, he will not be as effective.

Newcastle have similar players

Newcastle already have Matt Richie, who is capable of fulfilling the role that Townsend already plays. Another winger is more of a luxury than a necessity and they need to be focussing on signing a striker who can finish off the chances that their wingers create.

As the rumours become stronger, it becomes even clearer that Townsend needs to stay at Palace. With time, he could develop into a great winger capable of adding more goals to his play and Newcastle is definitely not the club for him.