Alexander Sorloth – How good is the Crystal Palace target?
Crystal Palace are reportedly considering a deadline day move for FC Midtjylland striker Alexander Sorloth. At 22 years of age, the player has earned quite a reputation for his talent and if the move goes through, there is no doubt that it would come across as a major opportunity for the young Norway international. An offer of £9m is understood to be on the table but as per latest reports, the deal could be on hold until Midtjylland find a replacement.
Regardless, signing Sorloth might represent a risky endeavour of sorts but it is definitely a gamble worth taking for Roy Hodgson. Sorloth has been in prolific form this season and can play as a solitary striker up front as well as on either flank. In fact, Sorloth has been one of Midtjylland’s standout performances throughout the season so far and has impressed quite a lot of people with his astounding skills in front of the goal as well as in link-up play.
In 26 appearances across competitions for Midtjylland, Sorloth has scored a whopping 15 goals and has provided 9 assists as well. These numbers definitely seem like quite an upgrade on Palace’s current options up front. They have been heavily reliant on Christian Benteke when it comes to No.9 role and although Wilfried Zaha has also played as the solitary striker on certain occasions, they could work wonders with a player as skilled and refined as Sorloth.
At just 22 years of age, Sorloth has his entire career ahead of him and he is yet to hit his prime. If he is performing this way already, there is no limit as to what he can achieve in the near future. He is excellent at dribbling, finishing and can hold his own in the air as well. His height often puts him at an advantage to win a lot of headers and he just seems like the ultimate all-round package.
One might argue that he lacks Premier League experience and that is true. Whether or not he is able to settle in at Selhurst Park will prove to be a major test of his capabilities if he did join Palace. However, though he lacks experience, he makes up for it with form and talent.
More often than not, experienced players have struggled due to lack of form and that will certainly not be the case with Sorloth. Also, the fact that Palace’s top goal-scorer is Luka Milivojevic, who is a central midfielder by trade, is rather alarming. Hence, Hodgson must most definitely go all out to snap up a talent like Sorloth.