Analysis – Why Cheikhou Kouyate is a good signing by Crystal Palace
According to Guardian, Premier League club Crystal Palace have signed West Ham United‘s Senegal midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate for a fee worth around £9.5m plus £1.5m add-ons. The 28-year-old spent four years at West Ham after joining them from Anderlecht in 2014.
Palace needed this signing after the departure of Yohan Cabaye. Getting Kouyate is a fantastic business by the Eagles and it is a steal given the current state of the transfer market.
Kouyate has been an integral part of the West Ham project since his arrival, however, that doesn’t seem to be the case under Manuel Pellegrini. So, the Senegalese might like working with an experienced leader like Hodgson.
Here’s the reason why Palace have done a great job in signing the midfielder:
Player Analysis – Cheikhou Kouyate
Age – 28
Main Positions – Central midfielder, Defensive midfielder
Kouyate is a dominant presence in midfield, who can win aerial duels, block the passing lanes, make tackles and interceptions to stop the opposition attack. He is a workhorse who will add steel and tenacity to Crystal Palace’s midfield. The 28-year-old would be an ideal partner for Luka Milivojevic in central midfield.
Kouyate is a real handful in aerial duels, winning them at a rate of 3.7 per game last season. He is a genuine threat from set-pieces.
He does not shy away from making tackles, and he averages 2.2 per game. Overall, the 28-year-old will be a handful for any opponent coming against him.
Verdict
The move suits all parties involved. Kouyate was destined to play a bit-part role at West Ham and Crystal Palace needed a midfielder. They should give him regular game time to shine.
Hodgson’s 4-4-2 system will require two midfielders who can do most of the work in controlling the game. Hence, Kouyate will be a perfect fit for this formation, partnering en elegant Milivojevic.
Stats Courtesy – Whoscored.com