Why Crystal Palace should plot a January swoop for Kemar Roofe

Back in July, the Sky Sports had claimed that Crystal Palace were one of the English clubs interested in signing Kemar Roofe, who was then plying his trade for Leeds United. However, no deal materialised and he ended up joining Belgian club Anderlecht in the summer.

A graduate of the West Brom academy, Kemar Roofe, 26, joined Leeds United in the summer of 2016 from Oxford, having won the League Two Player of the Year award. He scored 33 goals in 122 appearances during his time at Elland Road, helping Marcelo Bielsa’s side qualify for the playoffs last season.

Kemar Roofe in action for Leeds United. (Getty Images)

Since joining Anderlecht, Roofe has performed really well. He has racked up six goals and two assists in 12 Belgian Pro League games. In all, the forward has seven goals and three assists, however, Anderlecht have struggled massively this season and are 20 points behind league leaders Club Brugge.

With the 26-year-old currently impressing in his debut season in Belgium, Crystal Palace must rekindle their interest in him next month.

Crystal Palace’s goalscoring problems have been well documented over the last couple of seasons, with strikers Christian Benteke and Connor Wickham contributing next to nothing. Things haven’t been any different this season as well, as Roy Hodgson’s men have managed just 15 goals in 18 league games.

Kemar Roofe had a solid 2018/19 Championship campaign with Leeds United. (Getty Images)

Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend haven’t been at their sublime best, failing to significantly contribute to the Eagles’ productivity. Jordan Ayew has done very well in the No.9 role but as he hasn’t been a prolific goalscorer ever before in his career, Palace need some attacking reinforcements over the mid-season trading period.

That’s why Hodgson should plot a swoop for Kemar Roofe. A versatile forward, Roofe can play in different positions across the front line. He is tricky, unpredictable and can give the defenders a torrid time with his expert dribbling skills.

The former Leeds man is known for making runs between the channels and given Palace’s impressive wingers, he should thrive under Hodgson. In the video below, one could get a glimpse of Roofe’s finishing and playmaking skills during his time at Elland Road.

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Verdict

Roofe is 26, so he is set to enter the prime stages of his career. If the 26-year-old can maintain his fitness, he could turn out to be a massive coup for Hodgson’s Palace.