“I wouldn't be surprised” – Journalist drops worrying claim on Crystal Palace's “absolute tank”

Crystal Palace may struggle to ‘keep hold’ of defender Marc Guehi over the coming years, according to journalist Tom Barclay.

The Eagles snapped up the highly-rated 21-year-old from Chelsea via an £18 million deal last summer, and he’s already begun to justify that price tag after instantly settling into life in south London.

Guehi burst onto the scene last season after racking up 45 appearances during a loan spell at Swansea City, playing a pivotal part as the Welsh outfit reached the Championship play-off final.

His outstanding displays in the second tier were enough to convince Palace that he was ready to make the step up to the Premier League and, so far, he has repaid that faith.

As per WhoScored, Guehi has won 1.9 aerial duels, while making 3.3 clearances and 0.7 blocks per league game this season, placing him in the top three for each metric when compared to his teammates.

But the England Under-21 international – who was described as an “absolute tank” by teammate Josef Bursik – has also recorded the highest pass completion percentage (86.9%) in the Palace first-team squad, showcasing his ability with the ball at his feet.

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Guehi has struck up an instant connection with fellow summer signing Joachim Andersen in the heart of defence, and the centre-back partnership has helped Palace record seven clean sheets and leak just 38 goals in the top-flight.

Both of those tallies are identical to those of fifth-placed Manchester United, highlighting just how resolute the capital club’s backline has been at times this term.

It’s been an impressive maiden campaign at Selhurst Park for Guehi to date, with Vieira already tipping him to make his senior