Crystal Palace had a remarkable season in the 2023-24 Premier League campaign, securing their second-ever top-10 finish and finishing 10th under the guidance of manager Oliver Glasner. Glasner took over from Roy Hodgson midway through February and immediately made an impact, leading the team to an impressive seven-match unbeaten run, with six wins in that streak. The season culminated in a resounding 5-0 victory over Aston Villa on the final day, with goals from Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise, and Jean-Philippe Mateta showcasing the attacking prowess of the team.
The strong finish to the season also earned recognition for several Palace players, with Adam Wharton, Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi, and Dean Henderson all earning call-ups to the England national team. Their success on the international stage highlighted the quality within the Palace squad and raised expectations for the upcoming season.
However, the summer transfer window brought about some uncertainty for the club, with key players like Michael Olise attracting interest from top clubs like Bayern Munich. The departure of Olise, along with ongoing speculation surrounding Guehi, Eze, and Mateta, raised concerns about the squad’s stability heading into the new season.
Despite the challenges, Palace made some significant signings in the summer, bringing in Ismaila Sarr from Marseille, Chadi Riad from Real Betis, and Daichi Kamada on a free transfer from Lazio. These acquisitions aimed to bolster the squad and fill the void left by departing players, setting the stage for an intriguing 2024-25 Premier League campaign.
Key Player: Daniel Munoz
One player who emerged as a standout performer for Palace last season was Colombian right wing-back Daniel Munoz. Signed from Genk in January for an initial fee of £6.8 million, Munoz quickly became a fan favorite with his dynamic performances on the right flank. His four assists in 16 Premier League appearances showcased his attacking threat and defensive solidity, making him a vital cog in Glasner’s tactical setup.
Munoz’s partnership with new signing Daichi Kamada down the right-hand side promises to be a key element of Palace’s attacking play this season. The duo demonstrated their understanding in the final pre-season test against Nantes, hinting at a productive partnership that could trouble opposition defenses throughout the campaign.
With his marauding runs and precise crosses, Munoz is poised to play a crucial role in Palace’s quest for success in the upcoming season. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively makes him a player to watch as the Eagles aim to build on their achievements from last season.
One to Kick on: Adam Wharton
Another player who made a significant impact following his arrival last January is 20-year-old Adam Wharton. The midfielder joined from Blackburn for an initial fee of £18 million and quickly impressed with his passing range and defensive contributions. Wharton’s performances earned him a call-up to the England national team, highlighting his potential and attracting interest from top clubs.
Wharton’s rise to prominence has led to speculation about his future at Palace, with reports suggesting that he could command a hefty transfer fee in the future. As one of the brightest prospects in the squad, Wharton is expected to play a key role in Palace’s midfield this season and could be a player to watch as he continues to develop and showcase his talents on the Premier League stage.
Area with Strength in Depth: Midfield
Palace’s midfield boasts a wealth of talent and options for manager Oliver Glasner, with the return of Cheick Doucoure from injury adding depth to the squad. The likes of Will Hughes, Jefferson Lerma, and new signing Daichi Kamada provide quality and versatility in the center of the park, giving Glasner plenty of options to choose from.
Hughes and Wharton formed a solid partnership towards the end of last season, with Hughes earning a contract extension due to his impressive performances. Lerma, who arrived on a free transfer from Bournemouth, also made a positive impact in his debut campaign, showcasing his defensive prowess and leadership qualities.
With the emergence of young talents like Naouirou Ahamada and the versatility of Kamada, Palace’s midfield looks well-equipped to handle the demands of the Premier League season. The competition for places in the midfield will push players to perform at their best and provide Glasner with tactical flexibility to adapt to different opponents.
Area for Concern: Replacing Olise
The departure of Michael Olise to Bayern Munich leaves a significant void in Palace’s attacking lineup, as the French youngster was a key creative force for the team last season. Olise’s ability to unlock defenses and contribute goals and assists made him a crucial player for Palace, and his absence will be keenly felt in the upcoming campaign.
While the signings of Ismaila Sarr and Daichi Kamada aim to provide attacking reinforcements, replacing Olise’s flair and creativity will be a challenging task for Palace. The need for a player who can replicate Olise’s impact in the final third is evident, as the team looks to maintain their attacking threat and unlock stubborn defenses in the Premier League.
Youngster Who Can Kick on: Franco Umeh
One young player who has caught the eye in pre-season is Irish talent Franco Umeh. The 19-year-old has impressed manager Oliver Glasner with his performances and is being groomed for a first-team role as cover for left-back Tyrick Mitchell. Umeh’s potential and versatility make him a player to watch as he aims to break into the senior squad and make an impact in the Premier League.
Umeh’s development and progress will be closely monitored by the coaching staff, as he looks to establish himself as a reliable option in the Palace squad. His ability to adapt to different positions and provide depth in defense could prove valuable over the course of the season, as injuries and suspensions test the team’s depth and resilience.
Player Who Could Look for an Exit: Sam Johnstone
Experienced goalkeeper Sam Johnstone finds himself in a challenging situation at Palace, having lost his starting spot to Dean Henderson following an elbow injury on international duty. Johnstone, 31, is keen to secure regular first-team action and could seek a move away from the club in search of playing time.
Johnstone’s desire for a starting role presents a dilemma for Palace, as they weigh up the options in goal and consider the best course of action for the veteran keeper. His experience and leadership qualities make him a valuable asset to the squad, but his ambitions for regular minutes could lead to a potential exit in the transfer window.
Verdict on the Boss
As Oliver Glasner prepares for his first full season in charge of Palace, expectations are high for the Austrian manager to build on the team’s achievements from last season. Glasner’s track record of success at Eintracht Frankfurt has raised hopes among the fans, who are eager to see his tactical acumen and motivational skills translate into positive results on the pitch.
However, the challenges of retaining key players and replacing the quality of departed stars like Olise loom large for Glasner and his coaching staff. The need for reinforcements in key areas of the squad and the pressure to maintain the team’s upward trajectory present a significant test for the manager as he navigates the demands of the Premier League season.
Fan’s View: Alex Pewter (Five Year Podcast)
Crystal Palace supporters are optimistic about the team’s prospects heading into the new season, with the influence of head coach Glasner and his tactical approach garnering praise from fans. The sense of stability and direction instilled by Glasner’s coaching staff has instilled confidence in the team’s ability to compete and progress in the Premier League.
While there is acknowledgment of the need for fine-tuning and squad adjustments, especially given the late return of players from international duty, there is a clear sense of purpose and identity in how Palace aim to play under Glasner. The early signings in the summer transfer window have provided depth and quality to the squad, offsetting the loss of key players like Olise and setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
The financial constraints faced by the club present challenges in terms of squad re-balancing and player recruitment, limiting the scope for significant changes in the squad composition. However, the determination to climb the league table and compete at a higher level reflects the ambition and drive within the club to push for success in the Premier League.
Prediction: Ninth to 11th
As Palace gear up for the 2024-25 Premier League campaign, expectations are high for a top-half finish and continued progress under Glasner’s leadership. The club’s aspirations to challenge for European qualification and establish themselves as a competitive force in the league point towards a positive outlook for the season.
Top Four: Manchester City (champions), Arsenal (runners-up), Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur
Bottom Three: Brentford, Ipswich, Leicester
Surprise Package: Fulham
Opening Fixtures:
– August 18 – Brentford (Away)
– August 24 – West Ham (Home)
– September 1 – Chelsea (Away)
In conclusion, Crystal Palace’s 2024-25 Premier League campaign promises to be an exciting and challenging journey, with the team aiming to build on their successes from last season and compete at a higher level in the league. The squad’s depth, tactical flexibility, and determination to succeed under manager Oliver Glasner provide a solid foundation for a successful season ahead. With key players stepping up, young talents emerging, and new signings settling in, Palace fans can look forward to an intriguing and competitive Premier League campaign.