Cheick Doucoure: Crystal Palace's Malian Midfielder

Crystal Palace have been quietly going about their business this summer, reinforcing a squad that outperformed expectations last season. One position where they desperately needed investment, though, was in midfield, with Conor Gallagher returning to parent club Chelsea and captain Luka Milivojevic reportedly touted with a move away.

So, following the arrivals of Sam Johnstone and Malcolm Ebiowei, Palace have now raided Ligue 1 side Lens for Cheick Doucoure. But where does the highly-rated Malian midfielder fit into Patrick Vieira's plans?

In potentially losing both Gallagher and Milivojevic, Palace are missing a high-volume passer, who possesses a threat from range. Whilst defensively, Milivojevic's influence over the past couple of seasons has been central to Palace's style of play. Even last season, he struggled to nail down a starting spot under Vieira. 

Doucoure offers an answer to all these issues. Alongside club captain Seko Fofana, the 22-year-old shone as Lens battled their way to a second successive seventh-place finish following their promotion to Ligue 1. It’s been a mesmeric rise for everyone involved with the club.