Scout Reports

Scout Report – Jairo Riedewald

Frank de Boer’s first permanent signing as the new Crystal Palace manager has seen the Dutchman raid his former club Ajax to bring in versatile defender Jairo Riedewald for a reported fee of £8 million.

The 20-year-old put pen to paper on a five-year contract with the Eagles, and according to De Boer, will prove to be a fantastic acquisition:

“Jairo Riedewald is a player I know well through my time at Ajax and I’m glad that he’s now coming to join us at Crystal Palace. He will be an excellent addition to our squad, Jairo is a young player but already has a lot of experience. I know he is looking forward to playing in the Premier League.”

The History

Riedewald joined Ajax’s youth academy at the age of 11, and progressed to make his professional debut in a KNVB Cup match against IJsselmeervogels in December 2013.

His league debut came three days later against Roda JC, when he incredibly scored twice as a substitute to help Ajax record a 2-1 victory.

Riedewald only made four other league appearances during the rest of the 2013/14 campaign, though, with the following season proving to be his real breakthrough.

The youngster totalled 19 league matches in 2014/15, while he also appeared four times in European competition. He played much of his football as a defensive midfielder, while also earning minutes at left-back and centre-back.

It was only when De Boer took over as Ajax manager ahead of the 2015/16 season that Riedewald was used almost exclusively as a centre-back, and he played nearly all of his 33 matches in all competitions in that position, with just three outings at left-back.

But after Peter Bosz took over from De Boer last summer, he used Riedewald as both a centre-back and holding midfielder, making 28 appearances in all competitions, registering one goal and two assists.

Riedewald represented Holland at all age levels from U15s to U21s, before making his senior debut against Turkey in September 2015.

That is one of only three appearances he has made for the national team, though he hasn’t featured since 2015.

The Prospects

While Riedewald may still only be 20, the fact that he has already gained plenty of first-team experience means he should be ready for the rigours of the Premier League.

Extremely comfortable on the ball as you’d expect from an Ajax youth product, Riedewald is equally adept playing at left-back, centre-back or as a defensive midfielder.

Indeed, as Riedewald himself revealed upon his arrival to south London, it’s his quality in possession, in the ilk of fellow Ajax graduates Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld, that is his major strength:

“I like to play forward and to play with the ball at my feet. I like to play short and long passes, and sometimes dribble and go forward into the midfield. That’s my power, to have the ball on my feet.

Standing at 6ft tall, he’s arguably a little on the small side for a typical centre-half, although he did win 52% of his aerial duels last season. That was more than the 50% Mamadou Sakho managed during his loan spell at Selhurst Park, although slightly down on Scott Dann’s 57% success rate.

Tactically, De Boer has been quick to employ a 3-4-3 formation as he believes it is the best system to suit the players currently at his disposal. With that in mind, it’s perhaps more likely that Riedewald will operate on the left side of central defence for the Eagles.

De Boer trialled the system in both matches at the Premier League Asia Trophy, although he has admitted the 4-3-3, which he is a firm advocate of, remains a viable formation:

“It takes time to implement this system while everyone knows how to play 4-3-3, so we have to train hard, and every player has to know his role. We can always switch to 4-3-3, but over the coming weeks we have to train really well.”

While Palace may yet try and rekindle a move for Sakho, who was such a key performer during a temporary stint during the second half of last season, their central defensive options are currently limited to Riedewald, Scott Dann, James Tomkins, Damien Delaney, Martin Kelly, and perhaps Joel Ward.

Riedewald’s arrival seems set to reduce opportunities for Kelly, Tomkins and Delaney, therefore minimising our chances of being able to find a 4.5 option in the Eagles backline.

Palace have also been strongly linked with a move for Porto defender Bruno Martins Indi, though, who impressed during his season-long loan at Stoke City last season – the club that are rivalling Palace for the Dutchman’s signature.

But at this point in time, Riedewald looks set to compete for either the spot on the left or the the central position in the back three, with Luka Milivojevic looking in pole position to operate in the defensive midfield role.

Despite scoring twice on his league debut, Riedewald doesn’t offer much of a goal threat – he only produced four shots in 1,092 minutes of league action last term.

So should Dann, who has registered 10 goals and seven assists over the last three seasons, claim a regular starting role, he would look a strong option if Riedewald comes in at the same price point of 5.0 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL).

If De Boer does opt for the 3-4-3, whoever starts at left wing-back should also be an enticing prospect, with the 5.0-rated Jeffrey Schlupp currently looking the preferred option ahead of the more expensive Patrick van Aanholt (5.5) after starting both matches in the Asia Trophy.

Riedewald’s bonus point potential is also a concern – he only managed a clearance, block or interception (CBI) every 14.96 minutes last season.

That was inferior to Delaney (9.65), Tomkins (11.29), Dann (11.40), Kelly (12.16), and virtually identical to Schlupp (14.95), who offers far greater attacking potential.

While Riedewald’s passing game will be invaluable as De Boer tries to shape the Eagles into a possession-based team, his appeal as a Fantasy asset appears limited unless he is handed a favourable 4.5 price tag in FPL.

Schlupp may be the favoured option if assured of a start, then, and with kind home matches against Huddersfield Town, Swansea City and Southampton in the opening five Gameweeks, along with a trip to Burnley, he could prove to be an intriguing early-season differential.

Further Reference

Jairo Riedewald Wikipedia

Jairo Riedewald Transfer Markt Page

Jairo Riedewald You Tube Highlights

2,162 Comments Post a Comment
  1. The Legend Squad
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    What do you think guys?

    A. Morata and Sane

    B. Aguero and Zaha

    1. Manani
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      b

    2. TokyoRed 東京赤
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      B

    3. Ceci
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      B

    4. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      B

    5. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      B

    6. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      B

    7. bojack
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Most conclusive response I've ever seen.

      1. The Legend Squad
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I thought this question was a tough one, to be honest

  2. Keno
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Redmond or Tadic?

    1. Tommytour
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      All the Southampton fans I ask say Redmond. Boufal a threat to Tadic after pre season performances.

    2. Harper (No more Penandes)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Redmond

  3. Manani
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    best forward under 7.5m? (that is not rooney)

    1. FF Dirtbag
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Hoping for Chicaritooooo

      1. FF Dirtbag
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Chicharito**

    2. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Chicharito (Has to be 7m or Under)

      1. Tommytour
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        No chance 8m imo

        1. FF Dirtbag
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          7.5 I think

  4. PvA
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Who remembers Ramsey's goal against Galatasaray?

    That goal still needs explaining

    1. Harper (No more Penandes)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Best goal I ever saw live, even ahead of James at world cup 14

      1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I hate to say it, but that Ibrahimovic bicycle kick from near the half way line goal vs England was probably the best goal I've seen live. The cheek of that goal......!

        1. PvA
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Live as in at the stadium or live on TV?

          1. Harper (No more Penandes)
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            on TV

          2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Just on TV.

    2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      The technique....

      On his left foot as well. Screamer.

  5. Lawrø
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Good Morning DZ 😎

    1. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      😎

  6. FPLzebub
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    My 1st ever RMT. How does this 5-3-2 look?

    Forster Eliot
    Trippier Alonso Bertrand Cedric Kompany
    De Bruyne Willian Ramsey
    Kane Lukaku

    Milivojevic Carroll Fletcher

    1. Manani
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      there are not many good midfielders, but I think 532 is still a bit too bottom heavy.

    2. Tommytour
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      For a 532 you can't beat it

      1. FPLzebub
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks. I realise it's not a popular formation but I just want to try something different.

        1. Tommytour
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          On paper they are all excellent picks, only downside is if you want a third striker or extra mid its difficult to move funds around.

          1. FPLzebub
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            It either works or I wildcard but you are right re. flexibility.

    3. Ceci
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Too fancy.

    4. Skalla
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Yes great team for a 5-3-2 , so only problem will be the flexibility when we know the in-form mids and fwds. So go for it at the start and just WC into a different formation when you need to!

      1. FPLzebub
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        That's the plan. I think before the 1st wildcard is the best time to take a risk on formation.

    5. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Is double Soton def necessary?

      1. Snevitz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        You mean the team with the best opening fixtures of any premier league season ever?

        1. FPLzebub
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          This. I've actually got triple Southampton if you include Forster. Not good for H2H but i'm only in one of those.

          1. Gooner Kebab
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            i'm sold!

    6. LangerznMash
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Zaha instead of Ramsey?

      1. FPLzebub
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Both have looked good in pre-season but Ramsey has better fixtures long term.

    7. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Template with a capital T

  7. Keno
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Out of all the 4.0 defenders, which of them actually if any has a decent chance to start?

    1. Tommytour
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Too early to worry, just hope for some injuries.

    2. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Mr. Nobody

    3. Whats the Mata?
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Take a time machine, travel 6 months back and buy Holgate

    4. Harper (No more Penandes)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Our lord and saviour Amat has abandoned us

  8. cylus11 ( Manager) - Russia…
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Which one out of those ?
    A. Degea + Trippler
    B. Hart + Alonso

    10 votes to decide

    1. Manani
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      b

    2. Tommytour
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      A

    3. Prison Mike
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      A

    4. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      B

    5. shearer9
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      B all day long, but maybe Hart and Trippier together and spend the money elsewhere.

  9. Prison Mike
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Which option looks better for this 433 team?

    Foster Elliot
    Lindelof Trippier Cedric Daniels (4.0)
    Willian Zaha '......' (RLC Carroll)
    Lukaku Lacazette '......'

    A) Salah & Kane

    B) Alli & Aguero + 0.5

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      B

      1. Prison Mike
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers!

  10. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on my Team, any suggestions welcome

    Foster | Hart
    Cedric Lindelof Dawson Trippier | Rangel
    Alli KDB Willian | Rlc Carroll
    Lukaku Jesus Hernandez

    * Assuming Hernandez is under 8.5m

    1. barracuda
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      No Kane- no party

    2. Net Gains
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Rangel > Alonso
      Carroll > Salah
      Hernandez > Aguero

      Chancellor > Diane Abbott

      On a serious note, looks good actually!

  11. bmor
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Cedric or Daniels. I have trippier, monreal + a 4m. want to choose one for 2 x 4.5m to rotate to replace the 4m bench warmer

  12. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    FPL are such trolls

    They did about 5 pointless tweets today and not one was about Hernandez

    1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Irritating to say the least!

  13. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Help me decide please
    A) lukalu + redmond + RLC(as 4th midfielder)
    B) austin + Kdb + ritchie

  14. Whazza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Suggestions?

    DDG
    Alonso Trippier Bertrand Daniels
    Alli Willian Redmond
    Aguero Lukaku Firmino

    Elliot - RLC - T.Carroll - 4.0 def

  15. Bleach †
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Tried to make a team, with 3 heavy-hitters upfront, but midfield is pretty weak, what do you think?

    Fabianski/Begovic (Elliot)
    Cedric Trippier Monreal (Mee,Rosenior)
    Sane Willian Redmond Phillips (4.5)
    Lukaku Lacazette Kane

    1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Stronger than my mid

  16. waterboy
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Looking at a 5-3-2 to start the season with, dependent on transfers before the deadline. Any comments appreciated

    Begovic
    Alonso-Bertrand-Trippier-Kompany-Dunk
    Couthino-Willian-Erikson
    Lukaku-Kane
    Elliott-Tarroll-Cholobah-Quaner

    Thanks

    1. shearer9
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Bertrand to Cedric, Erickson to KDB.

      1. waterboy
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks.
        That was how I originally set up, but concerned that Cedric will not start the season as he has not started training yet.

        1. shearer9
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah monitor it of course

    2. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      GW2 WC

      1. waterboy
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Yep. I've done that before. I just don't like the mid price Mids

    3. Skalla
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Would not want to play Dunk every week, so think you need to upgrade him for a 5-3-2, but good otherwise.

  17. shearer9
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    A. KDB, Kane, Gayle

    B. Alli, Aguero, Hernandez

    (Assuming Hernandez is no more than 8.0)

    1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      B

    2. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      B

  18. Zoostation
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Does anyone fancy Milijoveic as a viable 4th midfielder?

    Is he playing deep? Nailed on?

  19. bmor
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    A. Philips & Rooney
    B. Zaha & Austin

    1. LangerznMash
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      B if Austin is a starter

  20. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    C'mon Conte, sign Sandro already! I don't want to have to buy a filthy premium defender...

    1. cylus11 ( Manager) - Russia…
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Which premium defender of Chelsea do you own right now.

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        None.

        But Alonso is looking too good at the moment. I want him to have competition so he's no longer op.

        1. cylus11 ( Manager) - Russia…
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Yes Alonso on my radar too.
          Luiz looked lovely too today vs Bayern at 6.0 he could be a steal.
          Only fixtures go against Che defender to start with. But form is always greater than fixtures.

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Not gonna happen.

  21. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Which pair do you prefer ? (both costs the same)

    A) Kane Cedric

    B) Jesus Alonso

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      You have to go A with that username.

      1. HurriKane
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        A would give me 3 spurs players, 1 chelsea player, 1 city player

        B would give me 2 spurs, 2 chelsea, 2 city players

        what do you reckon. ? currently on A but B is tempting just for the sake of more balanced coverage

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Well, I think A would get you more points. It doesn't really matter who else you have.

    2. A Team Of James McCleans
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      A

    3. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      B

    4. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      B by a wide margin

    5. bojack
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      A but with the caveat that Cedric will have had a shortened pre-season.

  22. Hykkerten
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    A) Eriksen Fabregas Kane

    B) Eriksen Alli morata

    1. Hykkerten
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      B

      1. Hykkerten
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Ok

  23. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Whats the current FFS template squad looking like?

    1. LangerznMash
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Foster Lindeof Cedric Trippier Dawson Alli William Sane Lukaku Kane lava. . something like that

      1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Shudders down spine

    2. Harper (No more Penandes)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Not full template but I see these guys in most teams

      Foster Elliot
      Trippier Cédric
      Willian
      Kane Lukaku

      1. Make Arrows Green Again
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Only 4/7. Pleased with that!

  24. schmileyg
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Any thoughts on JWP from Southampton fans please?

  25. Respect My Authoritah
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Interesting side note in the article about Schlupp. He's certainly one I'm keeping an eye on, but it's going to be really difficult to select him when we all know of PVA's abilities. Even after a run of say 3 starts, I'd still have some worries that PVA could come in.

    Then again, either could also play LW which would make me a little wet 🙂

    1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Lionel's wet boxers

  26. ★Kuntheman★
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Cedric>Wimmer, Sane>Salah

    Make it happen SOU

    1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Will work wonders for all our teams!!

    2. Tommytour
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Id double up with Cedric

  27. Depleda
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Thanks for previous replies. I have 2 million to improve the below any tips please? Is De Bruyne a better option to Coutinho?

    Foster Myhill
    Dann, Lowton, Daniels, Bertrand, Cedric
    Cout, Alli, Willian, Phillips, RLC
    Gayle, Aguero Lukaku

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Phillips to Zaha
      Gayle to King

      or Gayle to Defoe by doing Lowton to 4.0

  28. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Is Yoshida nailed at the moment?

    1. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      With VVD out, yes

  29. reddragons178
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Lindelhof/Clyne/Pedro OR Alonso/Dawson/Willian??

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      2nd easy.

      1. reddragons178
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah - as I wrote it I realised it was pretty obvious too :-).

    2. shearer9
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      B

  30. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    I actually quite fancy Redmond at 6.5m

    1. shearer9
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I just remember all that hype about him being played as a striker last August, and it came to nothing.

      1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        this

      2. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        The stats suggest he should have done much better than he did. Southampton's fixtures are amazing. With little options around that price, he has to be considered imo

        1. RedLobstar
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Tadic does all the corners and I think some free kicks..Thats why I would value him over Redmond

          1. Bubz
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Oh yeah I forgetting about Tadic being the same price. Think I agree

        2. shearer9
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Hmm or you go for a premium wing-back. Who's to say his finishing will improve? I'll monitor preseason though

          1. RedLobstar
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Thats why I prefer tadic as he has assist potential and he can also score...

    2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Such a dangerous player, just sucks at tucking his chances away last season. I'm tempted too!

    3. Harper (No more Penandes)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      His and Tadic's stats are by far the best in their price range. I expect them to pick up on last year's poor productivity

      1. RedLobstar
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Swansea and West Ham are good enough to know if we have to abandon ship with either one of them before the 3rd game week.