Steve Parish says tying down James McArthur, Nathaniel Clyne, James Tomkins, and Jordan Ayew to fresh contracts was of “pivotal importance” to ensure the Crystal Palace playing squad kept its fine balance of youth and experience.
Steve Parish said: “It remains of pivotal importance to get the right balance of youth and experience in any Premier League squad, and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to ensure that these long-standing and experienced players in Jordan, Nathaniel, James and James remain with us for the upcoming campaign. Each of them played an enormous role in the progress we’ve all enjoyed in the last year, and we very much expect similar contributions for the season ahead.”
Kouyate is undoubtedly still an important player to Vieira and provides useful experience, physicality and versatility in midfield and at centre-back. Last season he made 31 appearances for the club in all competitions and drew praise from his manager for what he offers Palace’s young team.
Patrick Vieira said: “He gives you the balance. He wins so many balls, can stop the counter-attack, brings physicality. He’s the one to win the ball, and his first pass is always good. He has the physical presence we want in the Premier League – the competitiveness and physicality – and his experience is what we need. I have a really good group to work with, and he is part of that group. He knows all the good I think of him.”
News on Kouyate’s future is likely to come in the next few weeks, with the midfielder no longer needed on international duty following Senegal’s 3-1 win over Benin and 1-0 win over Rwanda. The player is expected to take some time off while contract talks continue.
