Crystal Palace have signed 'one of England's best' in 'excellent' deal

Crystal Palace have signed ‘one of England’s best’ in ‘excellent’ deal

Crystal Palace have pulled off an “excellent” deal by signing Ben Chilwell on loan from Chelsea on transfer deadline day.

That is according to former Man United chief scout Mick Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Old Trafford, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Chilwell can still be “one of England’s best left-backs”.

Football Insider first revealed Palace’s interest in the 28-year-old via Brown on 28 January, as the opportunity arose following Trevoh Chalobah’s return to Stamford Bridge.

Palace confirmed the six-month loan deal shortly after the transfer deadline on 3 February after spending the window looking for an alternative to Tyrick Mitchell.

Chilwell has played just 45 minutes of football this season, as he was not a part of Enzo Maresca’s plans, but the Chelsea boss has been complimentary about his attitude in training.

Meanwhile, Brown explained that the Eagles will have looked into his injury situation after he suffered with knee problems last year, and are confident he can get back to his best.

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After the move was finalised on deadline day, the left-back has been tipped to be a success in South London.

Ben Chilwell backed to succeed at Crystal Palace after Chelsea exit

Brown told Football Insider in November that Palace have been searching for a new left-back and had compiled a list of targets ahead of the January transfer windows.

Now, the former scout who remains very well-connected within the game and also worked for the likes of Tottenham, Aston Villa and West Ham, backed Chilwell to get back to his best at Selhurst Park after a frustrating season.

“That’s an excellent deal for Crystal Palace,” he told Football Insider.

“If he’s anywhere near the player he was, and there are no hidden issues injury-wise which we don’t know about, I think he’ll be superb for Palace.

“He’s a top full-back, and he’ll fit in with the type of players and the way they play there.

“It looks like he’s been unfortunate at Chelsea in that he wasn’t part of the manager’s plans, but I don’t know what the situation was with his injuries.

“But Palace will have done their homework and they’re confident that won’t be an issue.

“If you go back two years, the best two left-backs in the country were Ben Chilwell and Luke Shaw, they were rivals for the England left-back spot.

(Credit: Imago)

“Unfortunately both of them have suffered from injuries and they’ve got to come back from that.

“But on top form, I think he’s still one of England’s best left-backs, and if he can get back to his best at Palace it will be an excellent move for both parties.”

In other news, Crystal Palace agree deal to sign 17-year-old sensation.

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