James Tomkins praises Mamadou Sakho impact

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James Tomkins has hailed the influence Mamadou Sakho has had on his Crystal Palace side since arriving on loan.

The Frenchman did not feature for Liverpool in the opening half of the season, having reportedly fallen out with boss Jurgen Klopp.

A number of potential suitors were mentioned but he eventually settled on a move to the Eagles on transfer deadline day.

He was first included in the starting line-up for the win over Middlesbrough and his side backed that performance up with a victory over West Brom.

Both of those showings came alongside Tomkins in the heart of the defence and boss Sam Allardyce appears to have settled on the duo as his preferred pairing.

Despite their upturn in form, Palace remain 17th in the table and now have the weekend off due to Tottenham’s participation in the FA Cup.

It will give Allardyce’s men extra chance to gel ahead of what promises to be a huge few months for the club, with them currently the 3.00 fourth favourites to be relegated.

Sakho is well known for his relaxed attitude and appears to have transferred that serenity to those around him.

Tomkins has hailed the impact made by the 27-year-old and is confident they can continue to improve as a partnership.

“Mamadou has come in and he’s good to play alongside because he is so chilled and calm,” Tomkins told Palace’s official website.

“He has been brilliant since he has been here and it’s a joy to play with him and I am enjoying my time as we learn from each other and let’s hope it can keep going.”

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