Crystal Palace manager Frank de Boar has explained the reason behind his decision to sign Ghanaian-born defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah.

Fosu-Mensah joined Crystal Palace on loan from Manchester United until the end of the season.

The former Dutch U17 defender made his debut for the Eagles when they suffered humiliation after losing 3-0 at home to Premier League new entrants Huddersfield Town over the weekend.

The 19-year-old enjoyed 78minutes in the game before making way.

De Boar says the physical ability and strength of the defender fueled his decision to bring the versatile player into his set-up.

“Timothy is a player who has great pace and incredible physical ability,”de Boer told his club’s official website.

“In today’s game, you need players with strength and speed and he is an individual with that, and as well as defence, can also play in midfield.

“From knowing him at Ajax, I can remember he was always playing in the team above for his age due to being physically very strong.

“His quality attracted a number of other clubs and I was very sad and disappointed when we lost him at a young age to go to Manchester United.”

“Under Louis Van Gaal a couple of years ago, he made his debut and I have been keeping a check on his progress and he’s ready to play games in the Premier League and that is why I am pleased to have brought him to Crystal Palace,”de Boer added.

The former Dutch National team Coach also hinted his plans to deploy the player at different positions in defense.

“I am seeing him in our system as a right centre back but he can also play full back in a 4-3-3.

“It is always nice as a manager to have a player who can play in more than one position so that you get the quality across the squad.”

The former Netherlands youth team skipper (Fosu Mensah) was released by Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho for a loan spell in order to gather more experience.

By Frank Darkwah