Patrick Vieira believes Cheick Doucoure has adapted to Premier League football quickly after an impressive start at Crystal Palace.
The Mali international has started all six Premier League games so far for the Eagles after his £22million arrival from French Ligue 1 side Lens, including Saturday’s goalless draw at Newcastle United.
Doucoure appears to have adapted quickly to life in England’s top-flight and Vieira believes the 22-year-old is improving with each game. In the goalless draw at St James’ Park, defensively, Doucoure had the joint-highest number of tackles (five) and shots blocked (three), whilst also managing four shots at the Newcastle goal.
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Vieira, impressed with Doucoure’s performance, said: “I think he was really good today. In possession, out of possession. He is getting better and better, game after game, the way he is playing with the other players and winning balls. He is doing really well.”
Palace came away with a point from St James’ Park but the home side will feel they should have come away with all three after Tyrick Mitchell’s own goal was disallowed by VAR. A collision between Vicente Guaita and Joe Willock in the build up led to referee Michael Salisbury being called to the monitor, with Willock adjudged to have fouled the Palace goalkeeper.
The Spanish shot-stopper was kept busy throughout. Saves to deny Aleksander Isak, Sean Longstaff and Willock were the pick of the bunch, with the Palace defence managing to remain solid during some difficult set piece situations.
“Happy with a point. Tough place to come. Big atmosphere and we needed to defend well as a team. I think we did well and we fully deserved that point,” said Vieira.
“We knew (set pieces) we’re going to be a challenge. Looking at the physical aspects, every set piece was a challenge and I believe we defended well the first contact, we were present for the second contact and of course you expect them (Newcastle) to create chances because they’re strong. We’ve been working on how we need to defend set pieces because we knew we had to improve that side of the game. We did well.”
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