Crystal Palace’s manager, Oliver Glasner, faces increasing scrutiny regarding his selection policy as the club navigates a challenging Premier League season. A staggering seventeen different starters have taken the pitch in only 11 games. That’s not only a recipe for player burnout, it shows a lack of concern for their welfare. Their team’s win at all costs approach has produced true instability. Of the 17 starters, only 14 have played in more than three matches.
As the season progresses, Crystal Palace has utilized a total of 22 players in Premier League action. Dean Henderson, Chris Richards and Maxence Lacroix have been tremendous defensively. Talk about a workhorse—they’ve played every single minute of the team’s games thus far! Image via Riot Games The team as a whole really enjoys the durability that the two new champions bring. Glasner’s general rotation strategy appears to make things difficult, too.
A Closer Look at Player Usage
This season, Crystal Palace has shown a commendable defensive record, conceding only nine goals, behind only Arsenal and Manchester City in the league standings. Glasner’s approach to selection will power success on the pitch for Die Adler. It also casts a shadow on the long-term physical toll for players who often act as guinea pigs in gameplay.
Despite fielding 17 different starters, just nine players have seen 75 percent of the team’s available minutes or more. Internationally capped talents like Richards and Lacroix are among their ranks, Lacroix posting an exceptional 87 percent opponent dribble success prevention rate. Only Marc Guehi is close behind with an 81.5 percent success rate. Doubts remain about just how sustainable it is to go so far, for so long, with so few players.
While it is true Tyrick Mitchell and Daniel Munoz have only spent a total of one minute off the pitch this season combined. This underscores the growing pressure being put on our most elite athletes. Everton may not be able to start more than 15 players. On the other hand, Crystal Palace’s massive rotation presents both a boon and a danger.
The Impact of Rotation on Team Cohesion
The constant changes in the first XI will seriously damage any semblance of team spirit and on pitch chemistry. The least used of Crystal Palace’s eleven most commonly used XI has started four of the last five games. This trend is indicative of the fact that Glasner is beginning to figure out his ideal starting contingent. The rotating door of players in and out can be disruptive, making it difficult to coordinate tactics and developing players’ on-field connections.
Even Glasner himself knows how hard it is keeping their welfare intact while trying to juggle these rotations. He stated, “Honestly, I can’t believe that it will be fixed in that way. I think it would be irresponsible for the players. Everybody has a responsibility for the players. We have to look after their welfare. That’s our main responsibility – not just at the club.”
So Glasner’s opening challenge is a critical one. He needs to balance performance with players’ fitness and long-term health during the arduous Premier League season.
Emerging Players and Future Considerations
Even with all the inconsistency in starting lineups, there are some players who are starting to prove their worth. Romain Esse is one such player slowly distinguishing himself from the bench, hinting at future opportunities for increased playing time. Borna Sosa’s case is particularly surprising on several levels. Since being transferred to Crystal Palace in the recent summer transfer window, he has seen just one minute of Premier League action.
As Crystal Palace enters the rigors of the rest of the season, Glasner’s handling of player fatigue and selection will prove pivotal. The team’s early defensive record is incredibly impressive and indicative of great promise. To continue that success, it’s important to keep those difference makers healthy and involved without overexerting them.
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