Crystal Palace U21s 24/25 Season Review

Academy

4 Jun 2025

A fifth season as a Category 1 Academy has seen Palace’s young Eagles gain valuable experience, play out vital fixtures and, most importantly - develop as footballers.

Palace’s Under-21s played out an entertaining 2024/25 season, with so many ups and downs, memorable moments and a semi-final under the lights in SE25.

This was the furthest that Darren Powell’s side had got to in the new format of the PL2, which took inspiration from the Champions League’s Swiss style format - with an initial league phase and then a play-off to determine the overall winner.

In the initial league phase, Palace recorded a sixth place finish, a point behind Manchester United and five ahead of rivals Brighton & Hove Albion. Along the way they had incredible results such as a 3-1 win away from home against the first-team side of Gillingham in the EFL Trophy, and two incredible comebacks against West Ham United and Manchester City.

The play-off stage saw the side face Brighton in the round of 16 phase. By virtue of Palace’s higher league position they were assured of a home tie and duly delivered in front of the faithful crowd at Sutton United’s VBS Community Stadium.

U21 Match Highlights: Crystal Palace 3-1 Brighton

A 3-1 win, which included a wonder goal from Hindolo Mustpaha saw Palace book a place in the quarter-final where they faced London rivals Chelsea. An emphatic 6-0 thumping of the Blues, with two more audacious efforts from Mustapha, saw the side earn their spot in the semi-final at Selhurst Park.

Powell and his men displayed great valour and spirit under the lights, taking the game to Southampton and clawing their way back after going a goal down, but it wasn’t to be in the end as they lost out in extra-time.

There were over 40 players utilised in the U21s squad, with some first-teamers gaining fitness, Under-18s stepping up and multiple players in between loan moves.

Between them, they netted 65 goals - of which Jemiah Umolu netted 13 in 16 games across all competitions, making him the side’s top scorer.

U21 Match Highlights: Crystal Palace 6-0 Chelsea

Runner up to Umolu was Ademola Ola-Adebomi with 12 to his name in 14 appearances after returning on loan in January, while Mustapha was close in third place with 11 goals in 29 games.

All three were nominated for the Premier League 2 Player of the Month throughout the season, with Mustapha also being amongst the top eight nominated for the Premier League 2 Player of the Season Award for an exceptional campaign.

Though Mustapha didn't win the Premier League 2's Player of the Season award, he did manage to scoop Palaces's U21 Player of the Season Award for his stellar campaign in red and blue.

“At times it's a challenge, with players constantly moving up and down, trying to keep the momentum of the team.” Powell explained.

“We’ve had players training and playing with the first-team, that's a bonus for us and for the individuals. It's no different to any other U21 side, it's also good when we have some of the U18s coming up and getting a taste of the level.

“It’s not easy getting used to the speed of the game and in training as well. It's all positive trying to get the young ones up, giving them minutes as well, while also seeing players progress up to the first-team like Asher Agbinone, Justin Devenny and Caleb Kporha.

“All three of them made their debuts this season, and we want to keep doing well and working towards the goal of developing these players so they can press on into the first-team or out on loan.”

Key Stats

Premier League 2: 6th Place (10W, 5D, 5L)
Premier League 2 play-offs: Semi-final
Premier League International Cup: Group stage
EFL Trophy: Group Stage
Total games played (All competitions): 30
Goals scored (All competitions): 65
Top scorer (All competitions): Jemiah Umolu - 13 goals
Top assists (All competitions): Hindolo Mustapha & Zach Marsh - 7 assists each

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