Roy Hodgson has done really well to take Crystal Palace close to a finish in the top half of the table, after a disastrous start to the season. The manager will want his side to compete for a place in Europe as natural progress and is trying to add some quality to his first team, to help his side compete with the best next season.
A number of exciting stars are extensively linked with a move to Selhurst Park recently and the latest name doing the rounds is Ryan Fredericks.
Palace Join Fredericks Chase
The 25-year old, who has been crucial in Fulham’s run to promotion this season, Fredericks is out of a contract at the end of the season and is currently torn between extending his stay at Craven Cottage and moving to another top-flight club.
The likes of West Ham United and Arsenal have already registered interest in the player but Hodgson is now desperate to add a right-back to his side and has identified Fredericks as the perfect option. But is he the right man for Palace?
Fredericks And His Style Of Play
A product of the Tottenham Hotspur academy, the 25-year old only settled into first-team football at Fulham, since his move to the club back in 2015. Having made 43 starts this season, all at right-back, Fredericks was one of the first names on the team sheet for Slavisa Jakanovic this season.
Known for his strength in hold up play and ability to dribble past tight situations even in dangerous areas, Fredericks is a decent crosser but relies more on build-up play and is happy to sit back and soak up the pressure.
He is not too strong in the air but his concentration levels and his positioning along with the understating of the game make him an effective player and his efforts in the Championship this season have proven that he is ready to compete at the highest level. But is he the right man for The Eagles?
The Right Man For The Eagles?
Hodgson has used Joel Ward regularly at right-back but has also helped young Aaron Wan-Bissaka break into the first team at Selhurst Park this season. While Bissaka is a long-term option, Ward, who is out of a contract at the end of the season, might have to be replaced this summer and Fredericks, who will be a free agent at the end of the season, is a decent acquisition.
Palace have to fend off interests from clubs likes Arsenal but the offer of regular first-team action might be enough for the Fulham man to chose to move to Palace. He is a riskless investment and one Hodgson should get done as soon as possible.
