Oliver Glasner delivers verdict on Crystal Palace summer signing’s Premier League debut in West Ham defeat

Oliver Glasner has assessed Chadi Riad’s Premier League debut as Crystal Palace fell to a 2-0 defeat at home to West Ham.

The Moroccan centre-back arrived in a deal worth £12m plus £2m in add-ons from La Liga side Real Betis this transfer window. 

He made 30 appearances for Betis in all competitions during the past campaign and helped them finish seventh in La Liga.

Ex-Barcelona youngster Riad started on the bench in the opening-day defeat at Brentford but was handed a starting role next to Marc Guehi and Chris Richards for the outing against West Ham.

Riad was battling up against Michail Antonio and had to mark Jarrod Bowen during the game.

He was nearly punished 11 minutes into his Premier League debut – giving the ball away to Bowen inside his half – but Mohammed Kudus shot just wide.

Bowen squared up to the centre-back before scoring West Ham’s second and wrapping up all three points.

“He did okay,” said Glasner.

“It maybe took him a bit at the beginning but he did really well. He was very aggressive in the duals and won many headers. Especially after five minutes – there was some good pressing.

“There were many moments where we were winning the ball and he was there with his head.

“It was very okay.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD