It was reported over the summer by a number of outlets that Joachim Andersen was high on Newcastle’s list of centre-back targets.
His Premier League experience, quality in possession and similar profile to Fabian Schar were all mentioned as traits that appealed to Eddie Howe, who has been on the lookout for a right-sided option able to add compete with the Swiss international.
However, despite ‘serious interest’ from St James’ Park, The Guardian, reported that Palace were demanding £40m for the Danish defender. It’s believed that fee was deemed excessive for the 27-year-old, yet his performances over the opening few months of the Premier League season suggest their demands were about right.
He’s gone under the radar for a few years, but he’s been one of the top performing players in Europe, making WhoScored’s team of the season (so far) with an average rating of 7.57.
In eight league games so far, he’s helped Palace to four clean sheets, scored a stunning winner at Old Trafford last month and again from a tight angle in their 1-1 draw at Brentford. His reading of the game, distribution from deep, threat from set pieces and dominance in the air make him such a well-rounded centre-back. He doesn’t have bags of pace, but it says a lot about his positional play that he rarely relies on it.
Speaking recently about a potential move away, he spoke like a man who might welcome a move to St James’ Park:
“There were a few things back and forth, but nothing concrete. It’s not always something I’m in control of. I want to play in the biggest and best clubs in the world, but it is not always up to me when to change.
“But I’m 27, and if I’m going to make a transfer, it should preferably be within the next few years. I’m not getting any younger, and if a club is going to pay for me, they have to be able to see some perspective in it too.”
A lot depends on Palace’s asking price – they’ll be reluctant to sell their top performing players in the middle of the season – but his recent displays may convince us he’s worth it.
