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Since signing on loan from Swansea in the summer, Jordan Ayew has cut a forlorn figure up front for Crystal Palace, and has put in a number of ineffective displays as fans wonder just what it is that he does on the football pitch.
Against Fulham, however, the Ghanaian showed exactly what he can do, and proved that all he needs is a little support up top to help him flourish.
How did he play?
The former Aston Villa man worked tirelessly throughout his 81 minutes on the pitch, proving to be a nuisance for the Cottagers who weren’t given a moment’s peace on the ball by the hungry forward.
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One redeeming factor of Ayew’s ineffective first six months at the club has been his work rate, the only thing keeping him in the team at times. However, his all-round game was far more impressive alongside Christian Benteke in attack.
Ayew had three shots, completed one dribble and was fouled four times throughout the game, and also made two successful tackles as he was afforded the freedom to go and press the ball and then carry it up field, safe in the knowledge that Benteke was there to win aerial duels and hold the ball up in his absence up top.
Style of play
The 27-year-old isn’t a forward who takes things by the scruff of the neck, but more a player who likes to pick up loose balls and dribble at the opposition whilst teammates do the aerial work for him.
At times when up front on his own, Ayew looks lost and largely useless but Benteke’s hold-up play proved to be the perfect compliment to the Ghana international’s talents.
Perhaps his performance had also been elevated by the arrival of Michy Batshuayi, who will put serious pressure on Ayew’s place in the team – nevertheless, Roy Hodgson should know never to start the diminutive striker on his own again.
