Crystal Palace striker Odsonne Edouard has welcomed their two new midfielders.

Joining the side recently were two fellow French-speakers, Belgian international Albert Sambi Lokonga and former Stuttgart man Naouirou Ahamada, but even before they were signed, Edouard was aware of their considerable talents.

“I knew the two players before they came here," he said. “Sambi played in the Premier League, and Naouirou played in Germany – he used to play with some of my friends in Germany so I watched some of his games.

“I think they are two great players, and can be very important for the team. It is easy for Sambi because he speaks English and French. For Ahamada, he doesn't speak great English, only French, but it is a good one because we can help him. We have a lot of French players in the team, so it is good that we can help him settle in."