Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace are monitoring RC Lens midfielder Cheick Doucoure, according to the BBC, ahead of a potential summer move.

The 22-year-old has been excellent for the Eagles this term, scoring eight goals and assisting a further three from midfield. Moreover, in a performance against Nice last month, journalist Andrés Onrubia Ramos claimed that the Malian was “destroying everyone.” Although, the two midfielders offer very similar defensive stats, with Kouyate averaging 1.2 clearances a game whilst also making two interceptions and 2.2 tackles. The Senegal international averages fewer touches with 41.2 whilst completing less than half of Doucoure’s passes at 23.6 at a lower accuracy of 82%. In Ligue 1 this season, the defensive midfielder has averaged 67.4 touches a match whilst completing 48.2 passes at an accuracy of 87% and 1.1 key passes. Moreover, the Malian has scored one goal and registered four assists from defensive midfield this term and already boasts eight senior caps for Mali.