Crystal Palace opinion: Hodgson should make a move for Ellyes Skhiri

Given their problems with injuries this season, it’s rather surprising that Crystal Palace aren’t fighting for relegation at the moment. While they do sit in 14^th place, a mere five points above the relegation zone, things could get worse. All it takes is a drop in performance and the club would back in the fight for survival.

While they have recovered from the issues that plagued the club around January, manager Roy Hodgson needs to make reinforcements. The fact that a 39-year-old Julian Speroni had to play against Liverpool’s world-class front three is something that should never happen again.

That being said, while adding another goalkeeper to their ranks should be at the top of their shortlists, the Eagles also have other concerns.

Their midfield and defence have looked a little bare and their issues up front have been well publicised. Only after the addition of Michy Batshuayi on loan have things dramatically changed.

The Belgian has been in fine form, scoring three goals in his last five games. Yet, the fact that their midfield looks bare is something the club should really address.

The likes of James McCarthy and Cheikhou Kouyate have struggled to make an impact, leaving Hodgson with just Luka Milivojevic to depend on.

However, there is only so much the 27-year-old midfielder can do and that’s exactly why the Eagles should add Ellyes Skhiri. The Montpellier star has been exceptionally good for the Ligue 1 side since his call up.

Skhiri made his way through their youth squads before eventually making his mark for Montpellier’s reserve team, earning a chance to impress for the senior side.

It was here that the 23-year-old’s versatility really came into play and Skhiri’s ability to play as a right-back or centre-back made him a great utility player.

But when used in his preferred defensive midfield position, the 23-year-old really flourishes. That’s simply because this is where the Tunisian does his best work.

A destroyer by trade, what Ellyes Skhiri really excels at is breaking down the play. He uses his incredible ability to guess where a pass will go, cut it out and then play a huge role in the counter-attack.

While his defensive nuance would make him a great partner for Milivojevic, it’s the Tunisian’s offensive abilities that will help the club. Though not as creative as Max Meyer, Ellyes Skhiri can still pick a teammate at distance or set them free with a defence-splitting pass.

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Conclusion

Crystal Palace needs reinforcements in the summer and it has to be additions in more than one area. But at the same time, it has to be someone good enough, which is exactly why adding a utility player like Ellyes Skhiri will help them.

Not only can he play in a wide range of positions, but Skhiri has the skill-set and the talent to do so successfully.