At Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace supporters made a significant Jordan Ayew U-turn.
The forward has been an important member of the team for many seasons.
Jordan Ayew of Crystal Palace has been an important player for the Eagles for a while, and HLTCO recently claimed that the 32-year-old is a “cult hero” in an interview with GIVEMESPORT.
Palace fans might not have been excited at the prospect of Ayew coming to Selhurst Park when the transfer was announced.
Jordan Ayew news
After scoring just one Premier League goal for the capital side, Ayew initially moved to Palace on a season-long loan from Swansea City before finalizing a permanent deal the following summer, according to MailOnline. If the transfer wasn’t disappointing before he signed on loan, his poor short-term stint with the team wouldn’t have done much to alter Selhurst Park supporters’ opinions.
Since Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze have been dealing with injuries this season, the former Swansea player has stepped up and was honored as Palace’s Player of the Month for August. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Hodgson and his hiring staff searching for a long-term replacement for the forward given Ayew’s advanced age.
HLTCO claim at Selhurst Park
You’re not likely to see Ayew named man of the match every single week, nor will he be competing with Erling Haaland for the Premier League Golden Boot, but his work rate and pressing ability in the final third is imperative to how Palace play.
| Jordan Ayew | Palace Stats (Ranked) 2023/2024 season |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 8 – =1st |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 2 – 2nd |
| Aerials Won Per Game | 1.8 – 3rd |
| Tackles Per Game | 2.3 – 5th |
| Key Passes Per Game | 1 – 5th |
| Fouled Per Game | 3.6 – 1st |
| All statistics via WhoScored | |
HLTCO claims that over time, Palace supporters have grown to appreciate what Ayew brings to the team, but it has taken them some time to warm up to him. This may be because of his underwhelming goal-scoring performance. The host continues, “Ayew is now something of a cult hero at Selhurst Park, and he can always be counted on to deliver reliable performances.” HLTCO declared in a statement to GIVEMESPORT…
“I think over time, Palace fans have come to appreciate what he offers. I often say that he is the ideal litmus test for whether or not you understand team dynamics, because if you were to just observe Ayew across a random 90 minutes in a run-of-the-mill Palace fixture against say, a Burnley or a Luton, you may not necessarily see what he offers. But I think in terms of his overall game, it has taken a fair few years for the vast majority of Palace fans to get on board with him. But the fact that he came into such little fanfare, and he’s now looked upon as something of a cult hero for the fact that he can always be relied upon to be at least a seven out of 10 if not better, I think he undeniably does qualify for that category.”
Will the Eagles be looking to replace the 32-year-old soon?
According to journalist Ryan Taylor of GIVEMESPORT, Palace were pushing to sign winger Demarai Gray when he was still playing for Everton, but the Jamaican international eventually transferred to Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia. Ayew’s spot in the lineup might be in jeopardy as a result of Palace’s potential interest in a different wide player in January, especially once Eze and Olise return.
Up until he starts to physically deteriorate, having the Ghanaian attacker, who makes £40,000 a week at Selhurst Park, in the squad will still be beneficial, especially when you consider his versatility. According to Transfermarkt, Ayew has played all three positions in the front three at various periods in his career. The Eagles would be wise to sign a long-term successor, though, if Palace wish to go to the next stage.
What’s next for Roy Hodgson’s side?
Following the break for international play, Hodgson’s team will face a challenging stretch of games, beginning on Saturday with Newcastle United at St. James’ Park. The Eagles will be hoping Eze and Olise return to action as soon as possible to prevent dropping down the standings when they play host to Tottenham Hotspur, who are presently dominating the Premier League.
According to the Evening Standard, Matheus Franca, a summer acquisition, is making a good recovery from the injury that has sidelined him for the entire season. Given Palace’s lack of imagination in the final third, the young Brazilian could soon make his debut, which will be a great lift for Hodgson.
