Crystal Palace appear to have lost their way over the Premier League season so far turning their exciting and fresh football of last season into timid performances that have cost them valuable points over their first seven outings.
Indeed, the Eagles had rocky patches over their previous campaign and Patrick Vieira’s team were far from perfect finishing 12th, but the entertaining performances put on at Selhurst Park were promising and a perceived insight into a bright future for Palace.
However, there is now something lacking in the team as they teeter on the edge of the relegation zone following several uninspiring displays that have ultimately led to no victories in their last four fixtures.
As a result, the January transfer window could be a saving grace for Vieira when the opportunity arises in a few months to improve, strengthen and inject some ferocity into the team ahead of the second half of the season.
One player who has been linked with a move to South London is Djibril Sow, a midfielder that was a target for the Eagles in the summer but it is looking like Palace could revisit their pursuit in January.
The £21.5m-valued Eintracht Frankfurt playmaker would make a fantastic James McArthur successor as the midfielder continues to struggle with injury problems and comes to the latter stage of his career.
Sow has a wealth of experience playing in central midfield with 155 appearances and 72 appearances in defensive midfield too. This season he is already showing glimpses of his versatility in the centre of the pitch.
The Switzerland international who was dubbed “one to watch” by journalist Sam Smith has made eight Bundesliga appearances, scoring one goal, making 1.3 interceptions and taking 50.9 touches per game, as well as winning 54% of his duels and completing 100% of his dribbles so far.
It shows a player who is not only willing to do the dirty work, brushing opponents to the side with ease, but a progressive player who is capable of getting on the ball and beating his man too.
In the Champions League, Sow was a standout performer against Tottenham Hotspur this week with the highest SofaScore rating (7.9) in the entire team for his performance.
It was an outstanding display as he took 81 touches, made an impressive four key passes, five interceptions and one tackle, proving that he is a very versatile midfielder that can offer both attacking threat and solid defensive play.
With that being said, the signing of Sow would be a big addition for Crystal Palace if they can convince the player to make the move from Germany in January. He could be the fresh, exciting perspective in midfield the Eagles are crying out for.