This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
After a summer transfer window that saw the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka depart the club in a £50m move to Manchester United, Crystal Palace fans would have been understandably apprehensive as to what the 2019/20 Premier League season held in store for the Eagles.
In addition to Wan-Bissaka’s departure to Old Trafford, the likes of Wilfried Zaha were strongly linked with a move away from Selhurst Park, yet Roy Hodgson’s recruitment, and specifically bringing in one particular player, has revitalised the club’s defence and provided impetus to a squad who now sit sixth in the Premier League table.
Although Palace did have money to spend, Hodgson instead opted to move for Gary Cahill, formerly of Chelsea, on a free transfer. The 33-year-old’s transition from west London to south London has been as seamless as it has been impressive, and the centre-back is playing a vital role at the heart of the Eagles’ backline.
After missing the club’s first two league games, Cahill has proceeded to start Palace’s next six league fixtures – keeping two clean-sheets. Barring the 4-0 mauling at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur, Hodgson’s side have not conceded more than one goal in any of their games in the 2019/20 campaign, highlighting how they’ve retained a sense of defensive solidarity despite Wan-Bissaka’s absence.
On average in the league, Cahill is making a clearance every 17.4 minutes, whilst also making five blocks per game, meaning that despite arriving on a free in the summer, Cahill is proving to be extremely valuable to Hodgson’s pursuit of a top-ten finish at Selhurst.
If Palace are able to retain the services of Zaha in the upcoming January window, then the Ivorian’s attacking abilities combined with the defensive excellence that Cahill is providing could bode well for a potential club-record finish in the league.
But for now, the 31-year-old’s performances are proving to be vital for the Eagles’ in their impressive start to the 2019/20 campaign.