Crystal Palace Midfielder Should Be On Shopping List Of Every Top Club

Everything came together for Crystal Palace as the Selhurst Park swept away Aston Villa to reach the FA Cup final. Jean-Philippe Mateta bullied the opposition defenders throughout the match. Ismaila Sarr gave the Eagles an outlet with his direct running and speed. Eberechi Eze was a difference-maker in front of goal.

Nobody was more impressive than Adam Wharton, though. The 21-year-old was a dominant presence in the centre of the pitch. He was the one leading the Palace press and stopping Villa from being able to play through the middle. Wharton’s passing was also key to the Eagles getting into dangerous areas in quick transition quickly and frequently.

Midfielders like Wharton are extremely difficult to find. Only a handful of elite level clubs have someone in the 21-year-old’s mould which is why there is so much excitement around him and his future. Every top club in England, and Europe, should be looking to make a deal for Wharton as he continues to get better and better.

Gareth Southgate called up Wharton to his England squad for Euro 2024, but favoured Kobbie Mainoo in the centre of midfield. On the evidence of this season, though, Wharton is a more promising prospect than his Manchester United peer, at least as an anchor at the base of the midfield unit.

Manchester United could use a midfielder like Wharton. Mainoo has been moved into a more advanced position by Ruben Amorim in recent weeks and Wharton would be perfect for the Old Trafford outfit in a deep-lying role. Wharton, however, could have his pick of the biggest clubs across the continent.

Real Madrid has also been linked with the Crystal Palace youngster and there’s good reason to believe Wharton would be a good fit for the Spanish giants. Xabi Alonso is expected to take over at the Santiago Bernabéu this summer and he will need a midfield pace-setter following the retirement of Toni Kroos last year. Wharton would fit the bill.

At 21 years old, Wharton should be in no hurry to move on from Selhurst Park. Crystal Palace is on an upward trajectory under Oliver Glasner with Wharton at the heart of his team. He must be careful to make the correct career decision when the time comes to leave the club. His performance in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final, however, suggested he’s already ready to take the next step.