Ahead of Saturday’s U18s Premier League South clash with Tottenham Hotspur, Daniel Owoade reflected on his journey back from injury, earning the manager’s trust, and the fight required to overcome Spurs once again.
The match will be streamed LIVE on Palace TV+ on Saturday (14th February), with coverage beginning at 10:45 GMT ahead of a 11:00 GMT kick-off – click HERE to find out more and subscribe.
Supporters can 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+.
As a team, we're thriving
—Daniel Owoade
A dynamic, attack-minded right-sided defender, Owoade joined Palace at Under-13 level following a successful trial. He quickly made his mark, playing a key role in the side that reached the final of the 2022/23 Under-14 Albert Phelan Shield, eventually finishing runners-up after a 4-2 defeat against Everton at Finch Farm.
That season proved a standout period. Owoade captained the side towards its conclusion and regularly contributed in the final third, scoring multiple hat-tricks from defence.
However, injuries disrupted his momentum from the end of his Under-14 campaign through much of the Under-16 age group. Despite those setbacks, he still managed to register eight goals and several assists during his time on the pitch.
The start of the 2025/26 season brought further frustration. An MCL injury sustained in training delayed his involvement, and a subsequent hamstring issue hampered his return.
Reflecting on the campaign so far, Owoade said: “I’ll start with myself. Coming back from setbacks at the start of the season, getting back on my feet, back in the squad after being out twice – that’s been big for me.
“But as a team, we’re thriving. We’re pushing and doing well in all the competitions we’re in.”
On the mental battle of being side lined, he admitted the frustration but also the growth it brought: “I was very frustrated. Every time I got told I’d had a setback, I’d get annoyed. But it gives you time to work on yourself – individually and mentally. It helps you come back stronger.
“It teaches you patience. Waiting for the right opportunity, and when you get it, taking it.”
The lads are focused and ready for Saturday
—Daniel Owoade
Owoade made his first appearance of the season off the bench against Brighton and was gradually reintegrated into matchday squads by Head Coach Javier Alonso.
In recent weeks, he has earned a starting role – coming into the side during the FA Youth Cup victory over Newcastle before starting the league fixture against Birmingham and coming on against Stevenage as we reached the Youth Cup quarter-finals.
For a first-year scholar, earning the manager’s trust has been a significant milestone.
“It feels like I’m heading in the right direction. Coming off being injured as well, it feels good. I’m working hard in training and doing the right things. I’ve just got to keep pushing.”
Building that connection with Alonso has taken time, particularly given his absence through injury.
“It’s been a bit difficult. When I was injured, I didn’t get as much time with him compared to the other players. So it’s about building that bond and that trust – him trusting me as a player and as a person, on and off the pitch.”
Saturday presents another major test. Tottenham sit level with Palace on 27 points, though Palace’s superior goal difference keeps them above Spurs in the table. The visitors arrive in strong form, having won three consecutive league matches without conceding.
The reverse fixture saw Palace run out 3-0 winners thanks to a Benji Casey hat-trick – but Owoade is expecting a different challenge this time.
“They’ll want to come back harder than they did the first time we played them. They’re right underneath us in the table, so they’re going to want to show why they should be above us. We’re expecting a fight and real desire from them.”
Preparation, he says, has been sharp.
“It’s been good. The lads are focused and ready for Saturday.”
With momentum building and key players returning at a crucial stage of the season, Palace’s Under-18s know that resilience – both collective and individual – could prove decisive in the title race.
The match will be streamed LIVE on Palace TV+ on Saturday (14th February), with coverage beginning at 10:45 GMT ahead of a 11:00 GMT kick-off – click HERE to find out more and subscribe.
Supporters can 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+.
Crystal Palace Under-18s v Tottenham Hotspur Under-18s