2 Solid reasons why this £23.6m Everton flop should join Crystal Palace as Cabaye’s replacement

If there was one move that had a lot of experts scratching their heads, it was Davy Klaassen to Everton in the summer of 2017 for £23.6m.

The former Ajax captain was touted as a great young midfielder who had a great pass in him and his move to Everton seemed to be a baffling one considering the vast number of midfielders they had already amassed in a very busy transfer period.

Klaassen, nevertheless, made the move and things did not turn out as planned. He made his debut in the Europa League for the team but was constantly dropped for Sigurdsson and other midfielders.

With Klaassen growing dissatisfied at the lack of chances being presented to him at Merseyside, a move to Crystal Palace could just bring back some of that early potential back to the fore.

Cabaye’s understudy and/or replacement

There are two scenarios where Davy Klaassen could feature for Crystal Palace under Hodgson and they’re both equally enticing. He can be understudy to Yohan Cabaye or replace the Frenchman to become their focal point in midfield.

Klaassen can learn a lot from Cabaye if he chooses to play alongside him because of the Frenchman’s years of experience in the Premier League.

Cabaye can continue playing the midfield role and hold back while Klaassen pushes forward to become more involved in the attacking play. Alternatively, Cabaye can also be let loose while Klaassen plays a deeper role that suits his passing ability better.

Great move for Palace

Palace have been found wanting in the midfield area because there hasn’t quite been a player to complement Cabaye. This adds more pressure on him and opposition managers have understood how to quell his threat.

Klaassen could just be the foil that Cabaye needs and Crystal Palace’s players such as Zaha and Benteke can benefit immensely from his ability.

From a footballing perspective, the move makes complete sense for Klaassen as he is down the pecking order with the Toffees. A move to London could just galvanise his career and give him the freedom to develop and become a Premier League star.