One to Watch – Yannick Bolasie

Name: Yannick Bolasie

Date of Birth: 24/5/1989

Nationality: DR Congo

Former Clubs: Hillingdon Borough, Floriana, Plymouth Argyle, Rushden & Diamonds, Barnet, Bristol City

League Appearances (Goals): 246 (22)

International Appearances (Goals): 15 (4)

Stat of the Day: Yannick Bolasie has attempted on average 2.4 dribbles per game this season

Player Profile: Yannick Bolasie has undoubtedly been Crystal Palace`s most potent attacking threat this season and his unorthodox rise from obscurity to Premier League dangerman shows no sign of waning. From non-league Hillingdon Borough to Premier League Crystal Palace via a season in Malta and spells at numerous Football League clubs, the 25-year-old has been on the receiving end of some impressive praise this campaign. A bronze medal at the African Cup of Nations and talk about his audacious trickery, including that flick against Tottenham, has placed him at the top of the transfer rumour list and Palace`s hopes of avoiding relegation hinge on the form of the Congolese international.
His down-to-earth, yet infectious enthusiasm has rubbed off on all around Selhurst Park and his pace and silky skills have made him one of the most effective wingers in English football. Four goals across 100 appearances for The Eagles indicates where improvements in Bolasie`s game can be made but Alan Pardew has spoken of the winger`s intelligence and his quality to always look for the ball and fashion important chances for teammates. Rangers did well to keep Bolasie quiet in the home fixture over Christmas but would be wise to smarten up against Palace`s enterprising danger man.

Player History:

Yannick Bolasie was born in Lyon but moved to England at a young age where he initially played his youth football for Rushden & Diamonds. He spent a short time at Hillingdon Borough before making his professional debut for Maltese side Floriana during the 2007/2008 season.

He was offered a trial by Plymouth Argyle the following summer and was successful in winning a two-year contract with The Pilgrims. He spent his first two seasons back in England on loan at Rushden & Diamonds and Barnet where he made 7 and 42 league appearances respectively, scoring 5 goals in total. He returned to Plymouth and made his first team debut in February 2010. He finished with 16 Championship appearances to his name but couldn`t prevent his side from relegation to League One.

Having made a total of 51 appearances for Plymouth Bolasie joined Championship side Bristol City in June 2011 for an undisclosed fee. The winger spent one season at Ashton Gate scoring once in 23 appearances, collecting the club`s Young Player of the Year award along the way.

In August 2012 Bolasie signed a three-year-contract with Crystal Palace, citing his desire to move back to London as the reason for his move. The Congolese international made 48 appearances in his debut season at Palace; he scored three times, won promotion and was included in the PFA Championship Team of the Year. He has made a total of 102 appearances for The Eagles since his arrival.