Jean-Philippe Mateta #14 of Crystal Palace F.C. warms up during the Premier League match between Everton and Crystal Palace at Goodison Park in Liverpool, England, on September 28, 2024. (Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Their next Olise: Crystal Palace have found another “exciting” teen star
Crystal Palace made two big additions during the winter transfer window, looking to equip Oliver Glasner with the necessary tools to compete in the second half of the season, as the Eagles aim for back-to-back top-half finishes.
Glasner’s side spent around £11.8m during the window, bringing Romain Esse to the club from Millwall on a permanent deal and bringing Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell in on loan, with a deadline day swoop for the 28-year-old England left-back.
With the window now shut, Palace could also look to call upon certain U21 players to play their part in the second half of the season, using their talented academy to plug holes in the squad and help Glasner address any issues that may crop up.
The best of Crystal Palace’s academy
The main academy player making a big splash in the Premier League squad this campaign is 21-year-old Justin Devenny.
He has already made 13 first-team appearances, scoring one goal and totalling 299 minutes played. The midfielder has shown his ability to provide versatility from the bench, playing in midfield, attacking midfield and even out wide on occasions to do a job for the team.
Another U21 player who is staking his claim this season is 18-year-old Caleb Kporha, who has made three first-team appearances. The right-back has made his first few senior outings as a wingback, playing in the Daniel Munoz role when entering the fray, showing his athletic qualities to fulfil this role, getting up and down the pitch and covering the necessary ground.
But one U21 star who has been loaned out during the January window, and therefore will not play a part in the second half of this campaign. That said, he’s an exciting prospect and could go on to become their Michael Olise replacement when he returns.
Crystal Palace’s new Olise
Asher Agbinone has made two substitute appearances in the Premier League this season for Palace but has now been loaned to League Two side, Gillingham, where he has already made three appearances, totalling 200 minutes for the club.
The 18-year-old has already been praised by his new Gillingham boss, John Coleman, who labelled the youngster an “exciting” asset for their team.
Despite being a natural winger, Agbinone has already played as a number ten for the League Two side, being involved in everything and winning man of the match on his debut.
