Crystal Palace are starting to kick on, but one key part of their turn in form isn’t yet getting the recognition he deserves.
Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew
After a wretched start to the season, losing their first five league games, Crystal Palace have finally managed to find some form. The seemingly unstoppable dive that Pardew’s side were taking finally seems to have halted, and after strengthening the side well over the summer, thanks to the backing of Chairman, Steve Parish, things are looking up for the South Londoners.
Much of the focus on Crystal Palace’s turnaround has been directed at the club’s expensive new signings, and the effect they’ve had on the team and style of play since coming in.
Crystal Palace’s Andros Townsend
Andros Townsend, a £13m signing from Newcastle United, has supplied Palace a directness that they were bound to lose after selling Yannick Bolasie to Everton, and Christian Benteke, the club’s record signing at £32m from Liverpool, has already shown how well he fits in to this side. Powerful in the air, and able to hold the ball up well for Palace’s numerous attacking midfielders, Benteke looks to be a perfect fit for the Eagles. However, one signing, who has perhaps not received the media coverage he deserves, is French goalkeeper, Steve Mandanda.
Crystal Palace’s Steve Mandanda
Joining on a free transfer from Marseille in the summer, Mandanda has been absolutely immense so far for Palace and has already won the admiration of the fans who partake in a chorus of “STEEEEVE” whenever the Frenchman gets hold of the ball.
Crystal Palace fans
Not only does Mandanda do all the simple things right for Palace, he has also won many admirers for his ability to play the ball with his feet, causing some to question why Manchester City did not pursue the player when looking for a more ball-playing goalkeeper in the summer.
Though the impact of Benteke and Townsend has been undeniable, Mandanda certainly represents the best value-for-money signing this summer, and the Frenchman could end up being a vital player for Palace this season.
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