Crystal Palace defender Tyrick Mitchell ‘would be wise to stay’ at his boyhood club for at least the next couple of campaigns, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The highly-rated 22-year-old has enjoyed a stellar campaign for the Eagles after cementing his status as the first-choice left-back, sparking speculation over his immediate future.
What is the latest news involving Mitchell?
After it became apparent that former Palace full-back Patrick van Aanholt was not going to sign a new contract, Mitchell was elevated in the pecking order and started the last six Premier League games of last term.
His performances towards the backend of the campaign and in pre-season convinced the capital club’s hierarchy and the incoming Patrick Vieira that Van Aanholt didn’t need to be replaced, promoting Mitchell instead.
And the academy graduate has repaid that show of faith ever since. So far this season, the youngster has started all 30 of Palace’s Premier League games, playing a pivotal part in their rise to ninth in the top-flight standings.
As per WhoScored, Mitchell has averaged 3.1 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 2.6 clearances and 0.6 crosses per league game, placing him in the top four amongst his teammates for each metric.
His outstanding displays in south London caught the eye of England manager Gareth Southgate, who handed Mitchell his first two senior international caps in the recent friendlies against Switzerland and Ivory Coast.
What has O’Rourke said about Mitchell?
Mitchell is one of several exciting, young stars at Palace who is shining under the tutelage of Vieira at his moment in time, and O’Rourke believes the defender should ‘stay’ at Selhurst Park for another year or two before considering a move away.
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In an exclusive interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “I think right now things are going well at Crystal Palace.
“Patrick Vieira is building a good squad there, and I think Tyrick Mitchell would be wise to stay there at Palace for maybe the next season or two and then see what happens with his development.”
Where could Mitchell go?
According to The Sun, reigning Premier League champions Manchester City are ‘monitoring the progress’ of Mitchell ahead of a potential move.
City are short of options at left-back, with Joao Cancelo filling in admirably on his weaker side throughout 2021/22.
Yet Mitchell should perhaps think carefully before abandoning Palace. Fellow academy graduate and full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka has arguably regressed since his big-money move to Manchester United, and his struggles may prove to be a valuable lesson.