Premier League side Crystal Palace are keeping close tabs on Middlesbrough star Isaiah Jones
According to The Sun, Premier League side Crystal Palace are interested in securing the services of Middlesbrough’s English right winger Isaiah Jones.
The 23-year-old impressed at a young age at Tooting & Mitcham but went on to move to Middlesbrough rather than make the short trip to Selhurst Park. He is today a first-teamer at the Riverside Stadium and has made 63 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals and making 12 assists.
A right-winger, he is capable of playing anywhere along the frontline and also as an attacking midfielder if needed. This versatility should help him if he is to function in a fluid attack that is becoming the norm at Palace under Patrick Vieira. Curiously enough, Palace appears keen to deploy the 23-year-old as a right-back.
The Arsenal legend has enjoyed a difficult start to the season but is putting together a young side capable of challenging for a regular top-ten finish. A right-back is next on the agenda, and Jones is one of the players being considered for the role.
The Eagles’ first choice is Manchester United star and former Selhurst Park favourite Aaron Wan-Bisska. However, the Red Devils are keen to recoup what they can for the Englishman. Jones is a cheaper alternative and can be considered attainable by Palace’s standards.
The 23-year-old is technically proficient and possesses excellent awareness while making forward forays. He also often defends from the front, perhaps indicating an awareness to perform a role in the back four. Capable of making runs and decisive through balls, he could prove to be a dynamic addition down the flank.
The role of a full-back has changed in recent years. Pioneered by the Liverpool duo of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson, one can argue that the wing-backs in today’s game serve more as auxiliary wingers. Perhaps this is what Vieira is seeking to replicate in London.
As things stand, Joel Ward and Nathaniel Clyne are Palace’s senior right-backs. Neither player is getting younger or can be considered reliable throughout a season. Addressing the issue as early as January could prove decisive as far as the London outfit’s final position in the table is concerned at the end of the season.
