Frank de Boer was delighted to be welcoming one of his former players from Ajax to Crystal Palace as Timothy Fosu-Mensah joined a one year loan contract from Manchester United.

“Timothy is a player who has great pace and incredible physical ability. 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 be 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.”

Since that move to the North West De Boer has been keeping track of the 19 year old and has impressed him to a level that he is ready to give him the opportunity of top flight football on a regular basis.

“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 game in the Premier League and that is why I am pleased to have brought him to Crystal Palace.

“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.”

Watch Fosu-Mensah’s exclusive first interview and reaction from De Boer for free.