Max Meyer is yet to really shine since moving to the Premier League with Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace last summer.
Former Crystal Palace midfielder Shaun Derry has raved about Max Meyer but suggested Roy Hodgson needs to change his tactics to get the best out of the German play-maker.
The Eagles appeared to have pulled off one of the most impressive signings of the 2018 summer transfer window when they snapped up Meyer on a free transfer from Bundesliga outfit Schalke, two years after London rivals Tottenham offered £38 million for his services (BILD).
But the 23-year-old is yet to really establish himself in Palace’s first-team, having started just ten of his 19 Premier League appearances so far.
Meyer, who was once likened to Andres Iniesta because of his quick feet and diminutive stature, has often featured in a deeper midfield role but Derry believes he would thrive if Hodgson can hand him a more advanced position.
“Max Meyer is a Premier League player,” Derry, who had two spells at Palace between 2002 and 2010, told Love Sport Radio (7 February, 6.30am).
“Technically he’s fantastic, I’ve watched him closely – the way he manipulates the ball, and the vision he has when he’s in possession.
“In terms of integrating him in the side, it may be system change. It might be something where you have a box-to-box midfielder and he plays as a more natural ten, Palace don’t play that way.
“And how do you forfeit someone like Zaha, who’s more natural going up and down the wing, to try and integrate Max Meyer who perhaps isn’t as consistent as Wilf? It’s a difficult challenge.”
Palace have struggled with a lack of creativity and cutting edge in attack since Hodgson took over from Frank de Boer at the start of the 2017/18 season but that could perhaps change if they manage to get the best out of Meyer.
The prospect of him combining with Zaha, Andros Townsend and Michy Batshuayi should give fans something to look forward to.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
