This article is part of Football FanCast's Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba's haircuts to League Two relegation battles...

When Crystal Palace signed Max Meyer, it felt like a real coup.

This was a player who had previously been dubbed as the 'German Messi' while also making four appearances for the Germany national team at a young age.

Additionally, to sign him on a free transfer made the deal seem all the more unbelievable.

However, the Eagles really haven't got the best out of the Schalke academy graduate as of yet.

Meyer has scored just two goals and recorded three assists for the south Londoners in 41 appearances, but from those outings, only 17 of them have been Premier League starts for the 24-year-old who Roy Hodgson seemingly isn't too fond of playing.

A recent report from German outlet Bild stated that Meyer's situation under Hodgson seems 'hopeless' and that the midfielder will consider an exit unless the physical style changes into one closer to 'playful class' in order to get the best out of him.

Now, a notable point to make here is that Hodgson is out of contract himself this summer.

The Eagles are reportedly in talks with the former England manager over a new deal, but the thing is, if Hodgson does put pen to paper, Palace run the risk of losing what was once such a precocious young talent in Meyer - if Bild's report is anything to go by.

Palace's Scottish midfielder even compared Meyer to former Eagles star Yohan Cabaye shortly after the German arrived at Selhurst Park, stating that the pair have vast similarities.

“Both fit quite similarly. They both manipulate the ball really well and have real quality. He will be a top player for us."

Sadly, Hodgson's preference for a physical midfield consisting of giants such as Luka Milivojevic and Cheikhou Kouyate has seen Meyer barely get any game time.

Bild's report emits one main feeling - it is either Hodgson or Meyer at Selhurst Park, not both.

Palace face a real conundrum over what to do with the obviously talented German.

In other news, these Crystal Palace fans have piled the praise on a Dougie Freedman signing from 2018...