“Very impressive” Roy Hodgson issues Adam Wharton verdict ahead of Crystal Palace clash with Chelsea
Roy Hodgson has shared his thoughts on Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton as the January signing prepares to potentially make his full debut this evening.
Crystal Palace host Chelsea this evening in the Premier League, in what will be considered a must-win occasion for Roy Hodgson, who has endured a difficult period as manager of the Eagles.
Speaking to the media ahead of the fixture, the 76-year-old admitted that this is the “toughest period” of his managerial career to date, as Palace struggle to keep the fans believing in the project amid tensions between the board and supporters.
Tonight’s result wouldn’t necessarily decide Hodgson’s future at Selhurst Park, although, after last week’s damning defeat to Brighton, a strong performance will be needed to regain the trust of their incredibly loyal fanbase.
It’s been a torrential time on the injury front for the Eagles, with the likes of Marc Guehi, Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze and Cheick Doucoure away from contention leaving the manager with limited resources to compete with at this moment.
It may feel like it’s all doom and gloom in South London at present however, Hodgson provided a positive verdict on one of his January signings, sharing his belief in 20-year-old Adam Wharton, who could make his full debut against Chelsea.
What Roy Hodgson said about Adam Wharton
After losing Doucoure to an Achilles tendon rupture back in November, the manager admitted that his side lost their “link-man”, a role that the 76-year-old believes Wharton could fill in the Malian’s absence.
Hodgson described Doucoure’s integral role in Palace’s midfield by saying:
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“When we were putting our teams together we would refer to a link-man. Someone who often isn’t the fastest player on the field – maybe not even the strongest – but he was always there and the one you could link the play around.”
Brighton & Hove Albion v Crystal Palace – Premier League
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The description somewhat epitomises the role of Wharton at his former club, Blackburn Rovers, where he shone in midfield and acted as the Championship side’s metronome in the engine room.
Speaking on the 20-year-old’s suitability to fill in for Doucoure, Hodgson shared his thoughts on Palace solving the issue of missing their glue in midfield.
“We have missed him [Doucoure] but I think the club have solved his temporary absence with Adam Wharton.”
“We have been very impressed with his early work here – he does exactly those things that we thought we were missing.”
Wharton made his debut for Palace last time out against Brighton, an occasion that the boss described as a “baptism of fire” for the youngster, who was thrown in at the deep end at centre-back on his Premier League debut.
Despite having to settle in fast in his first taste of life in the top flight, Hodgson praised the 2004-born whiz’s performance.
“I thought his debut against Brighton was good – as was Daniel Munoz’s. That’s a little bit of hope and a bright spot on the horizon.”
The loss of Guehi at centre-back could see Chris Richards step back into defence to allow a vacancy for Wharton to show his worth in midfield against Chelsea, a game that will hand the youngster the keys to express his talents at the top level.
