Why Crystal Palace should go all out for Alfredo Morelos in January

Back in July, the Scottish Sun had reported that Crystal Palace were interested in signing Rangers star, Alfredo Morelos.

Alfredo Morelos, 23, was tipped to leave Ibrox this summer after two brilliant years in Scotland. Rangers saw the stocky Colombian smash 30 goals in 48 games last season but also watched him pick up a ridiculous 18 yellow cards and five reds.

The striker is a huge talent and his goalscoring prowess with the Gers had caught the attention of a number of clubs over the summer transfer window, including Crystal Palace.

However, since the transfer window slammed shut, Morelos has carried on his scintillating form from last season. So far in the current campaign, he has found the back of the net 11 times in 14 games, whilst bagging three assists.

Going by his exploits in the Scottish Premiership, Crystal Palace should definitely rekindle their interest in Morelos when the transfer window reopens.

Palace clearly needs a new striker after struggling to score goals this season. In Christian Benteke, Jordan Ayew, Connor Wickham and Wilfried Zaha, the Eagles don’t have the quality and depth to survive in the top-flight this time around.

Moreover, Zaha could depart the club in January after failing to leave Selhurst Park during the summer transfer window when Arsenal and Everton challenged for his services. The Ivorian has been the club’s best player for the last few seasons and should he depart, Roy Hodgson will have a huge void to fill in the squad.

That being said, Palace should make it an absolute priority to spend big on a striker and Alfredo Morelos would fit the bill perfectly. He is exactly the type of player that Steve Parish likes. Relatively cheap and with bags of potential at just 23, he has plenty of time left to get even better.

Morelos’ contributions towards Steven Gerrard’s team is unquestionable and his place in the main XI has never really been under scrutiny.

He has shown amazing pace and control whenever he gets on the ball while he displays some brilliant runs to get in behind the opposition defenders as well. The Colombian can link-up play, run down the channels and enjoys being physical and scoring goals.

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A real handful for defenders, the 23-year-old is a prolific goalscorer who is comfortable playing with his back to goal.

With experienced players like Townsend and Zaha, if he stays at the club, around for support, Selhurst Park can be the ideal place for the young Colombian striker to really prosper.

Verdict

Regardless of the talent he is, Morelos needs to sort out his disciplinary issues if he’s to really fulfil his potential. And that’ll be a challenge for the experienced Hodgson to channelise the Colombian’s aggression in a proper way if a move happens.