James McArthur: Max Meyer can be a fine replacement for Yohan Cabaye at Crystal Palace
BY SAM SMITH
Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur sees similarities between new signing Max Meyer and former Eagle Yohan Cabaye.
Meyer, 22, joined the South Londoners this summer having seen his contract at Schalke run down, and he is effectively seen as the replacement for the departed Cabaye.
The Frenchman’s contract at Selhurst Park expired at the end of last season and he has joined Saudi Arabian club Al Nasr.
Meyer started for the first time in Tuesday’s 1-0 EFL Cup victory against Swansea City, adding to his two cameo appearances against Liverpool and Watford.
“Both fit quite similarly,” said McArthur when asked if Meyer, pictured below, and Cabaye compare.
“They both manipulate the ball really well and have real quality. He [Meyer] will be a top player for us.
“The first couple of sessions after he [Meyer] came in he was gradually getting better and better. Now he’s feeling stronger and fitter and you can see that in his performances.
“When he came on [against Watford] he added that quality that we needed. For such a small player as well he knows how to manipulate the ball and be strong on it.”
The Eagles were unfortunate to not take a point against Watford last Sunday. Meyer teed up Wilfried Zaha to net a consolation in the 2-1 defeat.
Palace have not won in the league since the opening day at Fulham. On Saturday they face a Southampton side that has earned just a point from their opening three games.
And while results have not quite gone the Eagles’ way, McArthur assures that performances have proved that they will begin to pick up points – starting against the Saints.
“We’ve played well in the first three games and we’re unfortunate to have three points.
“We pushed Liverpool all the way, against Watford we controlled a lot of the games but it’s about being clinical in both boxes.
“If we touch up on that there’s no reason why we can’t beat Southampton.
“We need to get a victory going into that international break and try to push up the table.
“It has been an average start points wise even if the performances are good.”