Dhaka Tribune Sports has decided to discuss last year’s performance, and potential of the teams in the forthcoming English Premier League, scheduled to kick off on September 12, provided the Covid-19 pandemic doesn’t cause havoc.
In our series of discussion Friday, we will analyze various aspects of Crystal Palace.
During the middle of the 19th century, an unprecedented exhibition symbolized the power of the British Empire and its Queen Victoria.
The Crystal Palace, a mega structure of glass and iron, was erected in the south of London as the exhibition hall, and although the edifice and even the empire were destructed, the name still holds on.
Crystal Palace FC may not be one of the strongest clubs in England, or even in London, let alone epitomize the great architecture, but the club possess an important character that defines the English Premier League, the world’s most popular league.
The Eagles have a proud heritage, an extremely passionate fan-base, and despite not tasting success in the top level, always kept up the dogfight, a common feature of a typical English side.
In recent years, Palace have been a banana skin, feared by the top sides as they have earned the reputation of giant-killing, flooring many big teams with fierce belligerence.
According to some historic accounts, Palace are one of the oldest existing football clubs in history although they started playing in professional level after many years.
Selhurst Park, the home ground of Palace is known as a venue that hosts one of the most passionate fan bases in England.
The hooligan days may be long gone, the Palace ultras are still regarded as one of the most fearsome forces as they create enormous noise and a hectic atmosphere for away sides.
Ironically, very recently, under the stewardship of Roy Hodgson, one of the oldest coaches in the league, the team appeared more dangerous in away games with their counter-attacking football as big names like Manchester City and Manchester United felt the heat.
After the golden era of the late 1980s and early 90s, Eagles faced on- and off-field problems but since 2013, they are playing regularly in the EPL and during the last three seasons they finished in the middle of the table.
One must give credit to astute coaching of Hodgson, the former England national team coach, as he formed a fighting team with a thin squad that does not consist any huge names albeit one, Wilfried Zaha.
The 27-year old Ivory Coast striker is regarded by many as the best player outside the top six teams in EPL.
The former Palace academy graduate, who grew up in England from the age of four, was the last player to be picked for United by their legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson before the legendary Scotsman retired.
But the player made just two appearances for United and returned to Selhurst Park on a loan spell and then, permanent basis.
However, with his eye-catching performance, many top sides are eager to sign him and in all likelihood United will rope him in with a massive transfer fee that Palace cannot turn down.
So, Hodgson has to reshape the size and make new plans.
As Zaha is almost on the verge of following the exit door, Palace are trying to form their side with some young talent and have already signed 22-year old English attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze from Queens Park Rangers for 19.5m pounds.
Jean-Philippe, the 23-year old French striker who plays for German side Mainz, is another target.
They will also be keen to get Gerard Deulofeu, the 26-year old Spanish winger who impressed for relegated Watford last season.
Hodgson will also be eager to hold onto Michy Batshuayi, the 26-year old Belgian striker who was loaned from Chelsea last season.
The 29-year old Dutch left-back Patrick Van Aanholt has been serving the club well in the last three years and is regarded as a crucial asset as he is known to score goals and assist other than defending.
Jordan Ayew, the 28-year old Ghanaian forward is also another important player, alongside English national team member Andros Townsend, the 29-year old winger.
All in all, Palace will try to enter into the top 10 in the league and with some luck, along with good results, may even fetch them a European ticket for the following season.