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‘So good’: Crystal Palace January target claims £20m Vieira signing is ‘annoying’ to play against

Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images
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WALSALL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Daryl Dike poses as he signs for West Bromwich Albion at West Bromwich Albion Training Ground on January 1, 2022 in Walsall, England. (Photo by Adam Fradgley/West Bromwich Albion FC via Getty Images)
Photo by Adam Fradgley/West Bromwich Albion FC via Getty Images

Daryl Dike has been speaking to his supporters on TikTok as part of a Q&A session, where he mentioned the name of Crystal Palace gem Marc Guehi.

What’s the story?

Well, the $9.5m (£7.3m) man – who The Athletic believe was a January target for the Eagles – was asked who his toughest opponent has been so far.

Interestingly, Dike chose Guehi as the most difficult defender he’s come up against, claiming the £20m man is “so annoying” to face.

Speaking on TikTok, the American said: “The hardest person I have played against is Marc Guehi. That dude is so annoying. I would get by him, the next thing I know he’s in front of me again. I’m like, how did you just get here?

“He is so good. He pocketed me. He’s incredible.”

The pair met on two occasions last season while Guehi was on loan at Swansea, and Dike was on loan at Barnsley.

Interestingly, the Crystal Palace colossus didn’t lose against the United States international, recording a 1-0 win and a 1-1 draw from their two meetings.

Dike failed to score in either game, so you can understand why he found Guehi “annoying” to play against!

Crystal Palace may have dodged a bullet with Daryl Dike

SWANSEA, WALES - MAY 22: Daryl Dike of Barnsley FC is challenged by Marc Guehi (R) and Jake Bidwell of Swansea City (L) during the Sky Bet Championship Play-off Semi Final 2nd Leg match between Swansea City and Barnsley at Liberty Stadium on May 22, 2021 in Swansea, Wales. A limited number of fans will be allowed into the stadium as Coronavirus restrictions begin to ease in the UK. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images

In our view, Patrick Vieira may have dodged a bullet after missing out on Dike, who joined West Brom in January despite Premier League interest.

The 21-year-old decided to reunite with Valerien Ismael at West Brom, after the pair enjoyed success together with Barnsley last term.

However, injuries has ruined Dike’s return to English football, and he’s only made two appearances since his £7.3m move to the Hawthorns.

Ismael has also since been replaced by Steve Bruce.

BARNSLEY, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Daryl Dike of Barnsley is closed down by Marc Guehi of Swansea City  during the Sky Bet Championship Play-off Semi Final 1st Leg match between Barnsley and Swansea City at Oakwell Stadium on May 17, 2021 in Barnsley, England. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images

Contrastingly, Crystal Palace decided to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta on a permanent basis for £9m, and he’s responded with three goals in his last six Premier League games.

Of course, Dike has plenty of time to turn things around, but in the context of this season, it seems the south Londoners were fortunate to miss out.