Crystal Palace Struggles Without Jordan Ayew's Impact
- Joachim Andersen was sold to a rival club for £25 million, leaving a gap in defense.
- Jordan Ayew's departure to Leicester City has deprived Palace of his possession-winning abilities.
- Given the current scoring issues, it's argued that Ayew's absence is felt more than Andersen's.
Crystal Palace has faced challenges this season after the departures of key players Joachim Andersen and Jordan Ayew. Andersen, a central figure in the team's defense, was sold to a rival club for a fee of £25 million, lacking a clear replacement at the same level. His absence has shifted the dynamics in the dressing room and on the field. Meanwhile, Jordan Ayew, sold to Leicester City for an initial fee of £5 million, has left a noticeable gap in Palace's forward options. Known for his ability to regain possession and facilitate offensive plays, Ayew's skills have been missed, particularly as he averaged over four fouls won per 90 minutes in his appearances. The club's forward lineup lacks the creativity and incisiveness that Ayew provided, further compounding their struggles in the league. While Andersen's departure might seem more significant defensively, the team's current scoring difficulties highlight that Ayew's absence is acutely felt in their attacking setup. Maxence Lacroix has moved in to replace Andersen, showing promise defensively, but questions about Palace's forward tactics remain unanswered, leading to calls for better recruitment strategy to strengthen the squad.