#3 They have Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Roy Hodgson should thank his lucky stars that Antonio Conte opted not to keep Ruben Loftus-Cheek this season. The young Englishman is a special prospect like we haven’t seen before. Loftus-Cheek has everything going for him, he’s strong, quick, a powerful ball-carrier and has great technique. In the absence of Zaha, he’s the creative spark that can spur Palace onto greater things.
Against Manchester City, Loftus-Cheek was the only player that looked capable of turning things around. He ran at the Manchester City defence, often making them look shaky and disorganised. In his 4 appearances for Palace, Loftus-Cheek has completed 107 passes, produced 8 through balls and created 4 clear-cut chances. With Ruben Loftus-Cheek on the pitch, Roy Hodgson & Crystal Palace have hope.