SAKA, ANTONY AND 10 PREMIER LEAGUE STARS HEADING TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP
Over the summer, we obviously let a lot of experienced, senior players leave Selhurst Park – it was a significant overhaul in SE25.
Ageing professionals such as Scott Dann and Gary Cahill were offloaded, as was Andros Townsend, a man with 420 career games under his belt.
Of all the players to leave, Townsend was perhaps the only one we may have considered keeping – his early form for Everton has shown why.
How is Andros Townsend doing after Crystal Palace exit?
Well, it’s safe to say the 30-year-old is expressing himself on Merseyside.
Townsend is enjoying a bit more attacking freedom under Rafa Benitez, and has scored three goals in seven games already this season.
The 13-cap England international has also provided three assists.
Significantly, Townsend only scored two goals and provided six assists across his last two Premier League seasons at Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace shouldn’t regret Andros Townsend exit
Judging by the above information, you could strongly argue that Dougie Freedman made a mistake.
However, we don’t believe he did.
Keeping Townsend would’ve meant us committing to another few years of his £55,000-a-week salary, which has been spent on younger options instead.
Speaking of younger options, keeping Townsend would’ve potentially blocked Michael Olise from starting games out on the right flank, where he often resides.
From our point of view, we’d much rather see the 19-year-old start there every week, than continue to deploy an ageing Townsend in that area.
Ignore his fine form for Everton – overall, we did the right thing.
