Crystal Palace would dream of a prime Yannick Bolasie return
by Callum Davies @daviescallum42 share
3 minute read 26/9/2022 | 06:45pm
Crystal Palace were laughed at when they decided to appoint Patrick Vieira at the helm, with many assuming them already relegated and the French manager first to be sacked.
However, 14 months on he has established himself as a fine Premier League manager that has quickly put together a youthful and vibrant team capable of troubling any opposition.
Would you want to see Yannick Bolasie back at Crystal Palace?
The likes of Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise supplement their true talisman Wilfried Zaha brilliantly, whilst the likes of Tyrick Mitchell and Marc Guehi headline an English core to their defence.
One man who would be able to jump into this fold without missing a beat is Yannick Bolasie, who at his peak was one of the most feared wingers in England.
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Signed in 2012 by Dougie Freedman, the DR Congo international helped spearhead a similarly exciting front line as they pushed Palace to an unlikely promotion.
Already possessing a fine rapport with Zaha given their time together, to return the prime version of this attacker to the current Eagles side would be a seamless process.
A raw talent in the Championship, his 2014/15 season proved his credentials in the top-flight with four goals and an impressive 11 assists. He dressed this fine return up with a flair and trickery seldom seen nowadays.
The season following saw another five goals and four assists, sparking Everton to unload £25m for his services. A devastating cruciate injury would see him never return with the same explosive speed, but few will forget the terror he struck into the hearts of Premier League fullbacks at his brilliant best.
Standing at just under 6 foot 1 but blessed with wicked speed, the "silky" magician – as dubbed by Rio Ferdinand – was a physical marvel. It made him an even more terrifying prospect, and he could certainly come in to teach the likes of Olise and Eze a thing or two.
To see him partner back up with his former Ivory Coast teammate would be wonderful for football fans, who would delight in being able to see this cult duo reunited once more.
He would perfectly fit in with the current atmosphere that Vieira seems to have built around Selhurst Park, with an enthralling play style to match the rest of the expressive teammates he would join.