Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace: Cook believes ‘Swiss army’ player is perfect for club

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Image for Crystal Palace: Cook believes ‘Swiss army’ player is perfect for club

Dan Cook recently spoke on the HLTCO podcast, revealing Crystal Palace target Joe Aribo from Rangers would be a great addition to Patrick Vieira’s squad for his versatility. 

The Eagles have improved their squad since Vieira came in last summer and they look to be continuing this form with the imminent arrival of RC Lens midfielder Cheick Doucoure, and now could turn their sights to Rangers star man Aribo amid interest.

Cook recently stated on the HLTCO podcast that the signing of Doucoure will not stop their pursuit of Aribo as his versatility means he can 0play in a number of positions which is key for Vieira in his plan for the South London side.

He said, “There is also a suggestion from north of the border that we are still very much in for Joe Aribo from Rangers. Apparently, this move for Cheick Doucoure doesn’t affect our interest in the former Charlton man and a bid somewhere in the region of eight to 10 million pounds should be enough for Rangers to give that deal a green light.

“In relation to Joe Aribo and where exactly he might fit into Patrick Vieira’s first-team set-up, I think it’s important to stress that his positional versatility is absolutely key in this particular pursuit. He is someone who has operated as a ten, he’s operated as an eight, he’s operated on a wide area of midfield, but he’s also played left-back for Rangers as well.

“And I think having that sort of Swiss Army opportunity to slot him in all across the 11 is something that will appeal to Patrick Vieira and his coaching staff.”

TIF Thoughts on Aribo to Palace…

After a great 21/22 season where Palace finished 12th in the Premier League, it is good to see they are continuing to build around Vieira and improve the squad further this summer, which Aribo can certainly do.

For Rangers last season he managed to bag nine goals and 10 assists in all competitions while averaging 1.7 shots, 1.7 key passes, 1.4 dribbles, and 1.6 tackles per game while ranking in the 99th percentile for aerial duels won, the 97th for expected assists, and the 95th for clearances and interceptions per game.

At just 25 years old, Aribo can help Palace for years to come and if they can get him for a deal around £10m, it makes perfect sense why they would take a risk in bringing him in. Combine him with the likes of Doucoure, Eberechi Eze, and Michael Olise, it makes for a stellar young core for the Eagles.

Will Palace sign Aribo?

Yes

Yes

No

No

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