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

    A) Lindelof & Zaha
    B) Alonso & Gayle

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

      Probably B seeing how terrible Lindelof has been.

    2. Kussler Squad
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      B...by far!

    3. Postman Ty
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Gayle isn't nailed at all.

  2. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    How's this look for a 3-5-2?

    Foster Bego
    Linde Alonso Trip (yedlin Francis)
    Eriksen Mane Willian Philips Fraser
    Lukaku Lacaz (Fletcher)

    Thanks in advance

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

      Would go Foster Myhill and save some dosh

      Don't like Lindle maybe Dawson instead if you went DDG and 4m keeper

  3. FPL Bielsa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone considering the Hennessay / Speroni GK combo for first five weeks before WC fixtures look OK to me and Frank should be able to put together decent defence ?

    1. City Road End
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Watched both Palace games in the Asia Cup; defense was all over the shop, being asked to play it out from the back when they are used to hoofing it upfield.

      So no, not for me...

      Although to be fair, Albion were just as bad and I'm going with Foster/Myhill

  4. FER FUSCH AKE
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    join my league guys 3156-5106

  5. Sergeant Slaughter
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Hegazi nailed?

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Nah, sadly.

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

    Ok so what about

    Foster
    Alonso Trippier Cedric Daniels
    Alli Zaha Coutinho
    Austin Kane Lukaku

    Myhill Carroll RLC Rangel

    Pretty please 😉

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

      I like it I have drafted very similar, with Willian for Zaha and Kompany for Austin.
      443 might be better that 532 so thanks copy and paste - I am done 🙂

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

        433. I don't think FPL towers will let me have a 443

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

          That would be awesome 😉

      2. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Kompany for Alonso

    2. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Again it is Alonso vs Bailly... bad fixtures vs good fixtures ... but is Alonso fixture-proof ?

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

        Yes he is atm. On some free kicks as well

    3. Kussler Squad
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Very similar to my own

  7. Triple Crap
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    A) de Gea, Dawson, Ramsey
    B) Foster, Alonso, Phillips

  8. FER FUSCH AKE
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    3196-5106

    1. timmmuh
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Draft? When is it?

      1. FPL National
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Wouldn't mind giving the draft a go if you're looking for numbers?

    2. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Can I have your pin too ?

  9. crease123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Which team do you prefer?

    Team A:
    Ryan (Elliot)
    Luiz // Cedric // Dawson (Lascelles Mariappa)
    Sane // Mane // Ramsey // Alli (Carroll)
    Lukaku // Lacazette // Rodriguez

    Team B:
    Ryan (Elliot)
    Dawson // Yoshida // Cedric (Lascelles Mariappa)
    Sane // Mane // Ramsey // Alli // Willian
    Lukaku // Lacazette (Quaner)

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

      So Luiz and Jrod 3-4-3 vs Yoshida and Willian 3-5-2 basically

      I would say the 3-5-2

      1. crease123
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks, I'm leaning towards that too. The 3-5-2 basically has the attacks from the top 6 teams all covered.

        Any glaring weakness with the lineup that you see?

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

          Not weaknesses really, just preferences

          I would wait and see on Laca. Could try Jesus then change Sane to Cout and downgrade Dawson to a 4.5 who rotates and stick Foster in nets

  10. weed
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Setting up a 6-member FPL Draft League, draft date 28th July (adjustable).
    Anyone interested, join up.

    Need serious and active members only, please. And leave Kane for me, thank you.

    Code to join this league: 131082-35489.

  11. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    This article is interesting.

    Who is playing Rwb for Palace?
    Is Schlupp likely to be favoured ahead of a Dutchman Pva?

    Thanks.

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

      They need to sign a rwb

      Yes, seemingly

      I want to know who the third centre back would be in this formation

      Riedewald, Dann, ? - probably Tomkins but it seems a bit up in the air

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Could be Indi. He likes possession based football. I can see him bringing another Dutch player in.

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Think they're after Chambers, so Wardy or him I guess? Schlupp is a natural LM'er anyway so might get the nod over PvA.

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers. Schlupp could be in for a good FPL season IMO.

  12. Coaly
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Cout or Salah?

    Any posts on this already?

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      If Mane is out for a while then Salah.

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

        What if Mane was fully fit

        One of them will have to play on their less favoured wing

        1. EmreCan Hustle
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah in that case Coutinho over Salah. Mane will score from anywhere I feel.

    2. Sergeant Slaughter
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Mane

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

        Injured

        1. Sergeant Slaughter
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Don't really think it's much to worry about

  13. Donhush
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Are Gayle or Austin both nailed to start?

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Gayle is. Austin not 100%

      1. Donhush
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        How about Mitrovic?

  14. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Is anyone a threat to Adam Smith? Francis might play at RB?

    1. Jimmy Boy
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      If you're thinking of getting Smith, get Daniels instead.

  15. Jimmy Boy
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    How nailed is Luiz?

  16. pablo discobar
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Hi, any rotation spreadsheets doing the rounds this season?

    Cheers

  17. 6thGoal
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Based off Peter Blake's budget rotation, also a link to his Mathematically Safe site

    http://the6thfloor.com/2017/06/27/premier-league-3-way-rotation/

    1. pablo discobar
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks mate

  18. Carcetti
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    A) Redmond + Azpi

    B) Alonso + Stanislas (Phillips)

    1. Kussler Squad
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      A

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

      B

  19. AFC49
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Foster
    Alonso, Cedric, Trippier
    Alli, Willian, Ramsey, Coutinho
    Aguero, Lukaku, Rodriguez

    1. AFC49
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Subs: Elliot, RLC, Rangel, Hunemeier

  20. aminsmd
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    FPL draft league code :
    133831-36146

  21. theboy09
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Struggling this year but got a big fancy for Slimani, anny advice on this?

    Foster/Gomes
    Luiz/Davies/Simpson/Johnson/Dawson
    Mkhi/Salah/Mirallas/Sterling/Højbjerg
    Kane/Morata/Slimani

    1. Kussler Squad
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Morata for Costa?
      Slimani...good choice IMO

  22. Kussler Squad
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Rate my team, please

    Foster, ( Elliot)
    Alonso, Tripier, Cedric, ( Ake), 4.0 def
    Coutinho, Zaha, Redmond, Sig, (Lanzini)
    Roney, Kaku, Benteke

    Tank you from Brasil!

  23. Pariße
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Chicharito is 7m, anyone getting him in straight away?

    1. Kippers
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Gonna leave it a few weeks.

  24. Kippers
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Lovely chaps.. What do you think?

    Forster
    Valencia - Yoshida - Trippier - Daniels
    KDB - Willian - Salah
    Kane - Lukaku - Defoe