Why Omar Elabdellaoui would be a good fit for Crystal Palace

Back in July, a report from Daily Mail had claimed that Crystal Palace held talks with Olympiacos over a deal for £7million defender Omar Elabdellaoui but a deal didn’t go through.

Omar Elabdellaoui, 27, enjoyed a solid season with Olympiacos in Greece last season, hitting five goals and seven assists in all competitions.

The Norwegian has been a consistent performer for the Greek giants since leaving German club Eintracht Braunschweig back in 2014. He is an experienced performer and has previously played in England with Manchester City and Hull City.

As far as Crystal Palace are concerned, they failed to replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka before the season’s start. Wan-Bissaka was outstanding last year for Crystal Palace and is considered one of the best defensive right-backs in the Premier League. He has been one of Manchester United’s best players in an otherwise dismal start to their new campaign.

Wan-Bissaka’s departure has left a huge void in the Eagles squad, with Roy Hodgson starting the new season with Joel Ward at right-back. Ward has performed admirably well in the last few games but question marks remain over his defensive abilities.

While Hodgson also can turn to Martin Kelly if things don’t go right, none can match the brilliance of Wan-Bissaka at Selhurst Park.

With the money Palace received following Wan-Bissaka’s sale during the summer transfer window, Hodgson should splash the cash and sign Omar Elabdellaoui in January.

Elabdellaoui has already had two spells in England, with Manchester City and Hull City but he really made a name for himself in Greece with Olympiacos.

The Norway international of Moroccan descent can play as a right-back, as a right wing-back and as a right-winger. His versatility will be a major plus for Hodgson’s side.

The 27-year-old is an all-action right-back renowned for his pace, energy and crossing ability. He backs his ability to beat his marker and deliver devilish crosses into the box for his teammates to feast upon.

Elabdellaoui can win one-on-one duels while defending, has plenty of pace to make runs up and down the pitch and plays with a certain level of aggression.

More Crystal Palace News

• Why Crystal Palace should go all out for Alfredo Morelos in January
• Why Crystal Palace should go for Younes Belhanda in January
• Why Nathan Ferguson would be a good addition to Crystal Palace ranks

If the Olympiacos man arrives at Selhurst Park in January, he could add a different dimension to this Palace team on the right-hand side.

His experience of playing in various leagues would make him an asset to the south Londoners. Hence, Palace shouldn’t hesitate in signing Elabdellaoui in the New Year.