da spicy bet： According to Calciomercato, Crystal Palace are ‘following’ Wolfsburg striker Wout Weghorst.
da bet7： The three-cap Netherlands international has enjoyed an impressive campaign so far, scoring eight goals in all competitions including five goals in 10 Bundesliga games – Weghorst averages a league goal every two games, and with two assists to his name as well, is involved in a goal every 1.43 games in the Bundesliga in 2019/20.
Weghorst, 27, has scored 117 goals in 284 career appearances, while also being likened to Edin Dzeko by the Bundesliga’s official website – due to his ‘hulky’ 6 foot 6 frame and decent ability with his feet.
Roy Hodgson’s side could do with a prolific goalscorer, as the south Londoners have netted just ten goals in 11 Premier League games so far this season.
Their top scorer is Jordan Ayew with four goals, although behind him, the next highest-scoring Palace players are Luka Milivojevic and Patrick van Aanholt with two goals apiece – both of Milivojevic’s strikes have been penalties, however.
So, would Weghorst be a good signing for the Eagles?
Billy Meyers
“This is a tough one. As good as Weghorst’s track record has been this season, as well as throughout his career as a whole, I just don’t think the Dutchman is what Palace need right now. Club chairman Steve Parish and Sporting Director Dougie Freedman are keen to bring players in who are in their early 20s, as they plan to build for the future, so signing a 27-year-old would be fairly contradictory to their vision – only four players in the Eagles’ squad are under the age of 28. It’s nothing personal against Weghorst, who seems like he certainly knows where the goal is, although he isn’t what the south Londoners need right now in all honesty.”
Charles Jones
“Any player who has contributed to 11 goals in 16 appearances has to be worth scouting. Of course, there is much more to being a striker these days than just putting the ball in the net, but if someone can score at a fantastic rate while also contributing to the rest of the play then they’re definitely worth looking at.
“Whether or not Palace should sign him is a different matter all together. Wolfsburg presumably won’t want to let him go cheaply after his good start to this season, and a striker standing at 197cm isn’t suited to them and the way they play at the moment, especially when you consider that the more diminutive Ayew is doing a fantastic job so far this season.“Are Palace right to be looking at him? Definitely. But does he have everything they’re looking for in a striker? I’m not so sure.”Danny Lewis“This move makes a lot of sense for Palace. While Ayew has led the line well this campaign, it is difficult to tell whether his form will continue, especially as he only scored one league goal last season. Even if he does keep going, Weghorst offers a brilliant alternative having done well in front of goal. “There is also the possibility for the pair to form a partnership up top for periods, as the Dutchman has used his 1.97m frame to win 3.1 aerial duels per game. He has the potential to be everything Christian Benteke was meant to be for Palace.”Vijievan Jeevathayalan“A towering beast standing at 6 foot 6, Weghorst is a man with a proven track record in front of goal. As per Transfermarkt, he has scored 114 times in 269 games in the centre-forward role in his career, and it is easy to see why Crystal Palace are keeping an eye on him – Hodgson’s side have mustered just ten goals in their opening 11 Premier League games and are desperate for some attacking firepower. “Whilst the Dutchman may not be the most recognisable name, he does come with a ringing endorsement. Former Wolfsburg marksman Grafite, drew a huge comparison between Weghorst and ex-Manchester City star Edin Dzeko, hailing both his technique and power. If Palace firm up their interest in the 27-year-old, they could be getting a centre-forward with bags of goals in his locker.”