‘Different profile’ – Patrick Vieira wants to bolster Crystal Palace’s attacking options
Patrick Vieira says he wants to add a different profile of striker to his Crystal Palace squad.
The transfer deadline is next Thursday, September 1, with the window closing at 23:00. The Eagles have signed central midfielder Cheick Doucoure from Lens, versatile defender Chris Richards, goalkeeper Sam Johnstone and exciting winger Malcolm Ebiowei.
Palace allowed Christain Benteke to depart on a free transfer to MLS side D.C. United and have yet to replace the Belgian international.
Last summer arrival Odsonne Edouard has started two of the first three games of the season, but the ex-Celtic forward has failed to find the back of the net.
Jean-Philippe Mateta came on for Edouard last weekend against Aston Villa and scored with his first touch to put the South Londoners 3-1 up.
Palace have been linked to Watford forward Ismaila Sarr and Bristol City forward Antoine Semenyo in recent weeks.
“Experience of playing in the Premier League and international football,” said Vieira of what he would like to add to his squad.
Picture : Keith Gillard
“We still have young players who need more support around them on the field, and that will give them more confidence to express themselves.
“Talking about numbers, different options and different profiles as well. When you look at the front players, it would be good to have a different profile.”
The Eagles set up in a 5-4-1 up at Liverpool for their first away game of the season. Their defensive structure earned Vieira’s side a point, with Wilfried Zaha’s opener cancelled out by a Luis Diaz second-half strike.
When asked whether he was considering setting up in a similar style for Saturday’s trip to Champions Manchester City, Vieira said: “Yes, there is a temptation, and it is all about players who are on the field.
“Hopefully, they will do more than what we plan to because of the quality of the teams we are facing.
“There’s always going to be a responsibility about doing what you need to do, but doing even more to create those moments and chances, because we will need to create chances and to score goals.”
PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD
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