Crystal Palace look set to do some form of transfer business in the January window, and have been linked with Genk right-back Daniel Munoz.
The 27-year-old is Colombia’s first-choice option at right-back, and is being eyed up by several clubs, but recent reports indicated that Palace have taken the lead in the race for his signature.
Palace need to strengthen several positions in the winter window, and a right-back has been a priority for a long time. Veterans Joel Ward and Nathaniel Clyne are arguably no longer up to the task, and with Ward now injured, another option is necessary.
South American football expert Tim Vickery has now explained what Munoz would bring to the Crystal Palace team, should he join.
Tim Vickery highlights Daniel Munoz attributes amidst Crystal Palace links
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Vickery highlighted that Munoz would bring both a goal threat and a physical presence to the position, but did issue a warning that he is prone to occasional defensive weaknesses.
“Daniel Munoz is 27, he’s an experienced player, he’s Colombia’s first-choice right-back, but what he is is he’s very much an attacking right-back,” he stated.
“There’s plenty of goals in him from that position, both with his right foot and also getting in there in the far post with his headers.
“He can go outside and cross, he’s quite tall, he’s more than six foot and I think defensively perhaps he can be caught a little bit off balance.
“I think he would be ready for the Premier League, as long as you realise that what you’re buying here is an attacking right-back.”
Would Daniel Munoz be an upgrade on Palace’s right-backs?
Right-back is the weakest position in the Crystal Palace squad, and Munoz would be a welcome addition.
Unlike Matheus Franca, he will arrive as a player ready to make an immediate impact, rather than a talent for the future.
His size and physical traits already make him an improvement on Ward and Clyne, and his ability to get up the pitch to support the attack will likely be a revelation in the Palace side.
Michael Olise would benefit from having an overlapping full-back on his side, and the bar is very low right now for Munoz to improve on what Palace already have in the position.
If the deal gets done, it could be a good one. Munoz is neither a promising raw talent nor a veteran beyond his best, and Palace could secure a strong option in the position for the coming seasons.
