Date: 1st June 2022 at 2:01pm
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Crystal Palace are looking at Watford forward Emmanuel Dennis.

What’s the Word?

That’s according to LondonWorld, who report that the Eagles are looking for a proven goalscorer.

Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah was a long-term target for Patrick Vieira’s side, but with the 23-year-old set to sign a new deal with the Gunners, the south London club have now set their sights on the Nigeria international.

The 24-year-old had only joined the Hornets last summer but their relegation has meant that the £7.2m-rated attacker is likely to leave the Hertfordshire club.

Upgrade on Benteke

While Watford had a disappointing season, Dennis was one of the bright sparks. The former Club Brugge striker got ten goals and six assists, achieving the highest WhoScored league rating in the team.

It has been an impressive debut season for someone who has never played in England, but it did not come as a surprise to Andrew Randa. 

The Nigeria Under-20’s media officer predicted that the 5 foot 9 attacker could be a “huge success” at Watford, referring to his “unplayable” performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League as proof of what was to come.

“Emmanuel is a very fast player, with tremendous pace. He can play on either flank and through the centre.

“Once he gets past a defender it is difficult to catch him and he goes straight for goal. He likes to create goals as well as score.

“The Madrid defenders, including (Raphael) Varane and (Sergio) Ramos, just couldn’t live with his pace and he was unplayable at times. That day showed his potential.

“If he settles in and settles down, he could be a huge success at Watford.”

The £27k-per-week finisher would also represent an improvement on current Eagles forward Christian Benteke.

While Benteke has more shots, the Hornet has a higher percentage of his on target, and while having more than double the Belgium international’s key passes, dribbles, tackles and interceptions, and shot-creating actions per 90 minutes, as per FBRef.

Dennis, therefore, is performing better as an all-round forward than Benteke, which is why Palace should ensure that he is at Selhurst Park next season.

AND in other news, Conor Gallagher may have dropped huge hint of Palace future after Instagram post…

 

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