Crystal Palace Under-18s centre-back Dylan Monk has looked ahead to the Young Eagles’ U18 Premier League Cup opener away to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.
Champions for the first time in 2025/26, Javier Alonso’s side begin their title defence at the Nigel Doughty Academy, with home group-stage fixtures against Leeds United and Aston Villa to follow.
The competition features eight groups of four, with the winners of each group advancing to the knockout stages.
It shows the mentality we have in the squad
—Dylan Monk
Monk has been at the Academy since the age of seven and enjoyed a breakthrough 25/26 campaign, making his U18s debut in November’s 4-2 win over Leicester City before going on to make 18 appearances as Palace reached the FA Youth Cup semi-finals and won the U18 Premier League Cup.
The Young Eagles began their U18 Premier League South campaign with a 3-1 win at West Ham United before suffering a 4-1 defeat to Southampton on Saturday.
The Premier League South is the top level of league football for Category One academies, with teams split into northern and southern sections. The two section winners then meet to decide the national champions.
A youthful Palace side, depleted by injuries, conceded four times before half-time against Southampton but responded strongly after the break, with Raihaan Anderson pulling one back and the Young Eagles pushing for more.
“Obviously, Saturday didn't go to plan for us, not the result we wanted, but I think we reacted well,” Monk said. “The second half was almost a brand-new game when we were playing. I think we bounced back and it shows the mentality we have in the squad.
“So, we need to bring that out from the first minute and do what we did against West Ham and be consistent throughout the whole season.”
Hopefully we can bring that winning mentality this season
—Dylan Monk
Despite the defeat, Monk remains positive about the campaign ahead – and the opportunity to defend the trophy Palace won for the first time last season.
“Yes, it's going to be a good season. All the boys just want to get out there and play. So I have a good feeling for the season.
“Obviously, we have the Premier League Cup. We want to hold on to that and hopefully win it again.”
Palace topped a challenging group last season, drawing 3-3 with Manchester City and beating Sheffield United and Chelsea before overcoming Peterborough United in the quarter-finals.
A last-gasp David Angibeaud header saw off Tottenham in the semi-finals, before the Young Eagles drew 1-1 with Manchester United after extra-time in the final at Selhurst Park and won 6-5 on penalties.
Monk featured in every game on the road to the final, although he missed the showpiece after returning from injury.
“It was a great experience, especially when I was playing up,” he said. “I learned a lot from the lads and I think everyone here has learned a lot from the lads last year. So hopefully we can bring that winning mentality this season.”
We've had a good bond together
—Dylan Monk
Forest will provide the opposition in Tuesday’s first cup test, having narrowly beaten Palace 3-2 in pre-season.
“I think they're a very attacking team. They like getting a lot of goals. Obviously, last game they had a big win.
“So we just need to defend solidly and just take our chances when we get them, just like we did last time – well, like we should have done.”
Monk has also had to adapt to a changing defence in the opening weeks of the season.
He had initially formed a back three with first-year scholar Alfie Mulvenna, who joined from FC Larne, and U16 Nat Kalembo. Injuries to both players against Southampton meant Monk was joined by first-year scholar Kwasi Baah and 14-year-old Isaac Ogunrinde, who both made their U18s debuts.
“I think we all complement each other a lot, like how we play together,” Monk said. “Alfie's a solid defender. I've only played a couple of games with him now because he's obviously quite new.
“But so far we've had a good bond together and hopefully we'll get back out there together soon.”
The match will be streamed LIVE on Palace TV+ on Tuesday, with coverage beginning at 13:15 BST ahead of the 13:30 BST kick-off. Find out more and subscribe here.
Supporters can also follow live commentary on our Academy X (Twitter) page, with a full match report and reaction published shortly after full-time in our Academy news section.
Highlights and extended reaction will be available on Palace TV+.
Nottingham Forest Under-18s v Crystal Palace Under-18s