Why Evann Guessand could thrive at Crystal Palace despite his Aston Villa toils | OneFootball

Evann Guessand’s Palace loan has quickly gathered pace, capped by February’s player of the month. According to NY Times, the 24-year-old has lifted Oliver Glasner’s side since arriving from Aston Villa at the end of January.

In seven outings he has two late goals and an assist that helped beat Brighton. A last-minute winner at Wolves on 22 February set the tone, then he struck in the second leg against Zrinjski Mostar after Brennan Johnson’s pass.

Palace had tried to sign him from Nice last summer before Villa completed a €35m move. Expectation fell away at Villa Park, where he scored two Europa League goals in 21 appearances and did not finish a Premier League game.

At Palace he has mainly operated as a left-sided No 10 following Eberechi Eze’s departure to Arsenal, adding direct running as the squad’s only natural ball carrier. An option to buy hinges on appearances and eight goal involvements, with a £2m loan fee and a further £28m to make it permanent.

Glasner has praised his unpredictability but says he must learn the structure and improve defensively, which informed a rest against Manchester United. The manager believes Guessand benefits from freedom in attack.

His strengths lie in running in behind and finishing, while decision-making in tight areas can waver. He faded against Tottenham and delayed a counter for Ismaila Sarr. He may yet become a striker, but the No 10 role could bridge that path as he continues to offer something different.

Source: NY Times