August 22 2018

Patrick van Aanholt

Patrick van Aanholt says former Crystal Palace striker CLINTON MORRISON was the father figure responsible for his success.

MORRISON mentored the then-Chelsea left back when he was sent out on loan to Championship side Coventry City in 2009.

Van Aanholt has paid tribute to his former teammate and credited MORRISON for making him into the footballer he is today.

"CLINTON was like my second dad, really," said Van Aanholt. "He looked after me and came to my house, took me to training and helped me.

"He talked to me about how to play, how to defend, what to do and I still speak to CLINTON now. I appreciate what he did for me. He saw the potential I had and I am grateful for that."

When Chelsea took Van Aanholt from PSV Eindhoven, aged just 16, the Dutchman's real dad Jonny moved to England with him to help him settle in a new country.

After Coventry, the defender was lent to Newcastle, Leicester, Wigan and Vitesse Arnhem, and only made four appearances for the Blues, before being sold to Sunderland in 2014.

The Holland international, who Sam Allardyce signed from the Black Cats in January 2017, is relishing the prospect of having the daddy of all seasons with Palace.

"This pre-season is the best I have felt in my career," added the 27-year-old. "I'm in great shape, my role is good, everything is right and that stability helps you to perform. We finished strong last season and we have learnt."

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