Roy Hodgson believes Patrick van Aanholt hasn’t hit the heights of last season.

The left-back finished last season in sparkling form for Palace but Hodgson believes the 2018/19 season hasn’t been as fruitful.

Speaking ahead of Crystal Palace’s tie with Tottenham on Wednesday, Hodgson made the admission about the Dutchman despite scoring in the 2-0 win over Huddersfield on Saturday.

“I don’t think this season has been as good a season as last year,” he said.

“Last season we had a wonderful finish and got a lot of points and lifted the doom and gloom and he was fantastic in that period.”

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The manager said the 28-year-old who has netted twice this season is showing signs of his return to form and attributed the former Sunderland and Chelsea man’s work ethic with the improvement.

“I’m pleased to see him back again.

“I will say he’s worked hard himself on the defensive side of his game.

“There’s no doubt about his talent as a footballer and he’s gifted in getting into attacking positions.

“We are pleased with Pat, there’s no doubt about that.

“He can go on to be an even better left-back, and he feels that himself that he can improve all the time.

“I’m hoping we see the Patrick van Aanholt in the last seven games we saw tear the field up last season and score a lot of goals.”

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