It’s fair to say Crystal Palace fans have yet to see the best of Max Meyer since his summer arrival.
The free transfer after being frozen out at Schalke looked a major coup by Roy Hodgson last August, but showing only glimpses of the talent that saw him coveted across Europe, 19 league appearances and one goal in 6 months, have left fans torn over the 22-year-old’s impact.
Ex-Palace midfielder Shaun Derry believes his six-month spell out in the cold last season, combined with the physical nature of the Premier League have made life difficult for the star.
“The history of clubs he’s been at proves that he can handle the level, Max Meyer is a Premier League player,” Derry told Love Sport Radio.
“Technically he’s fantastic, I’ve watched him closely - the way he manipulates the ball, and the vision he has when he’s in possession.
“But how does he get into possession?!
“I only played in the Premier League for two years and what I did know is that the league back then, and its grown since I’ve retired, is that it’s an unbelievably physically challenging league for players at certain times, especially when your fighting for you lives, like Palace have been doing the last couple of year.”
READ: 'We can't just rely on Wilf'- Benteke
Max Meyer is an AMAZING signing for @CPFC
— Ross Noades (@NoadesRoss) October 1, 2018
Not the greatest off the ball but when palace have spells in possession the man is key.#BOUCRY #CPFC #MEYER #COYP #EPL
Getting in the starting XI
Palace fans appreciate the quality he possesses, with some even comparing the diminutive creative midfielder to a certain Messi, but most believe Hodgson has yet to find a permanent place in his starting X1.
After an impressive performance against Burnley on the weekend, Max Meyer is finally shining for the Eagles. But there is still a lot to come from the German wonder kid. Learn more about him down below 👇#CPFC #Eagles #Meyer https://t.co/2iR4u1uLAP
— Taste Of Football (@TasteOfFtbl) December 4, 2018
Next #MaxMeyer 79. I won't lie, I don't know much about him beyond his reputation as 1 of Germany's biggest youngsters. Has shown some bright spots when he's come on off the bench but I'm gonna hold my judgment on him. 79 fair rating I'd say. #cpfc pic.twitter.com/Fhbq4weNhq
— Tony Hall (@tgh316) September 15, 2018
Outstanding performance by the #cpfc boys today! Thought #Meyer kept everything ticking and linked the play so well 👏👏
— Chris Lewis (@christheeagle1) December 1, 2018
It’s just like watching Braziiiillll. @CPFC #cpfc #maxmeyer
— Laurence Hill 🦅 (@LaurenceH_CPFC) December 2, 2018
READ: Benteke on the arrival of Batshuayi
Integration
Meyer has often found himself playing out of position on the flank.
Derry, who amassed 232 appearances for the Eagles believes it may be difficult to play him in his favoured central position without putting a few noses out of joint.
“In terms of integrating him in the side, it may be system change.
“It might be something where you have a box-to-box midfielder and he plays as a more natural ten, Palace don’t play that way.
“And how do you forfeit someone like Zaha who’s more natural going up and down the wing, to try and integrate Max Meyer who perhaps isn’t as consistent as Wilf.
“It’s a difficult challenge.”
Anyone else understand Wilf playing up the middle? He's one of the world's best on the wing but I've seen nothing yet to suggest he's at home in the centre. Would prefer Wilf on the wing and Meyer in AM. #CPFC #CRYWOL #COYP #ZAHA #MEYER
— Ross Noades (@NoadesRoss) October 6, 2018
With Zaha, Andros Townsend, Christian Benteke, Michy Batshuayi, Jeffrey Schlupp, James McArthur, Luka Milivojevic, Cheikhou Kouyate, Jordan Ayer, Bakary Sako, Connor Wickham and Meyer all competing for one of six starting places, it poses a difficult, but pleasant conundrum for Roy Hodgson.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article