How has Timothy Fosu-Mensah fared since joining Crystal Palace on loan from Manchester United?
The November international break is a checkpoint which signals that we are roughly a third of the way through the season.
This is, in most cases, a long enough time for judgements to be made on the millions of pounds worth of summer signings.
Here we take a closer look at Crystal Palace’s loan signing of Timothy Fosu-Mensah from Manchester United.
The 19-year-old is highly thought of at Old Trafford and it is easy to see why based on his start to life at Selhurst Park.
Although the Eagles have yet to keep a clean sheet in his 12 appearances, little blame can be placed at the feet of the youngster, who has been shifted across Palace’s defence and always done himself justice.
Fosu-Mensah is very well built for a teenager, and he can use his broad frame and speed to get forward effectively from right-back. He has also been used on the left side of defence, and in a back three.
What is perhaps most impressive about the Dutchman is the application he has shown in such difficult times.
Many young loanees would have buckled under the pressure of Palace’s poor form, especially after the manager that brought them to the club was sacked after just four games – Frank de Boer, in this case.
Yet Fosu-Mensah has been as committed to the Palace cause as any of their own players. On several occasions this season, he has been their last line of defence, making goal-saving challenges in his own box.
Despite his physical and mental maturity, it would have been a season too early to expose Fosu-Mensah to regular football at United, but this Palace loan spell will be beneficial for all parties concerned.
Grade: B
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
