After Palace recorded just the second-ever top-half finish in the Premier League under Oliver Glasner, it’s time to look back at the contribution of the club’s new faces throughout the season…
A seasoned Premier League professional with Bournemouth for five years, Palace pulled of something of a coup in snapping up the Colombian international over summer, and Lerma demonstrated his quality in south London all season.
His stunning goal against Chelsea at Selhurst Park was one of the strikes of the season, and was a reward for his work in midfield – without the services of Cheick Doucouré after his season-ending injury in November.
Injury saw him miss most of the end of the campaign, but his impact was undeniable. Now, he will hope to join up with the Colombia squad for the Copa America in the United States this summer, where he will take on Brazil, Paraguay and Costa Rica in the group stage.
Henderson had to be patient for his chance in the side, suffering injury on his debut at Old Trafford before returning to face Manchester City at the Etihad in a remarkable 2-2 draw, in which the Eagles came back from two goals down.
His form to end the campaign was exceptional, keeping four clean sheets in his last seven games in victories against Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester United and Aston Villa – and earning a nomination for Premier League Save of the Month for stopping Rodri’s shot against Man City.
He has made a return to the England squad for the European Championships this summer.
Just 99 days separated Adam Wharton making his full Premier League debut and receiving a first senior international call-up, such has been his meteoric rise this season.
Wharton signed for Palace from Blackburn Rovers at the very end of the January transfer window, making his debut as a substitute against Brighton & Hove Albion, before making his full debut at Selhurst Park against Chelsea.
He has started every game since, becoming a crucial cog in Oliver Glasner’s resurgent side which finished the season by winning six of their last seven games, including victories over Liverpool, Newcastle and Manchester United.
His inclusion in Southgate’s 33-man provisional squad for the European Championships in Germany this summer is just the latest accolade for a player attracting a great deal of attention.
“It has been an incredible rise,” the England manager said of Wharton’s inclusion. “[He is a] good technician – he can handle the ball really well. He’s got a calmness about him that I really like.
Muñoz joined Palace in January from Genk, and made an immediate impact racing down the right-hand side – even more so since the switch to a 3-4-3 under Oliver Glasner.
In his new wing-back role, Muñoz has license to get forward and contribute to the attack more than ever, earning his first assist for Jean-Philippe Mateta against Luton Town.
He finished the season strongly, assisting two goals against Manchester United at Selhurst Park and another on the final day against Aston Villa to bring his tally to four for half of the season, sure to grow over the next campaign.
He will hope to join Lerma in the squad for the Copa America, with a potential match-up against Chris Richards and the United States in the quarter-finals should they qualify from their group.
França made his debut at St James’ Park in October, showing glimpses of the ability that made him one of the brightest prospects in South America while he was playing for Flamengo.
He came on as a late substitute against Spurs the next time out, coming close to scoring a dramatic late equaliser as the Eagles looked to fight back from two goals down.
He made his first start against Chelsea at Selhurst Park in February, before earning an assist in Oliver Glasner’s first match in charge against Burnley.
Injury ended his season prematurely, but the signs of progress mean there is plenty more to come in 2024/25.
Holding signed for Palace from Arsenal and made his Palace debut at Old Trafford in the League Cup, but was unfortunate to suffer an injury that would keep him out for the majority of the campaign.
The two-time FA Cup winner will be hoping to add to his 98 Premier League appearances with the Gunners when he is back to full fitness next season.
