Mitchell on 250 Palace appearances, trophies, and teammates
It was fitting that just over a month ago, Tyrick Mitchell celebrated 250 senior Crystal Palace appearances with a well-earned clean sheet.
For the full-back – who is widely recognised as of the best one-against-one defenders in the modern game – has come a long way since his very first game in the Red and Blue: in July 2020, during the COVID lockdown, his senior debut as a substitute away at Leicester City.
Yet for the now 27-year-old – whose precocious development saw him become the youngest player in Crystal Palace history to reach 100, and subsequently 150 and 200, Premier League appearances – it seems to have gone by in a flash.
We took the opportunity, therefore, to remind Mitchell of his journey so far – in photos.
Having previously discussed the early stages of his development, from the football cages of North-West London to his first Sunday League team, this time, Palace TV focused on reflections from the first six-or-so years of an already impressive Eagles career.
Take, for example, the experience of coming up against one of Palace’s all-time greats every day in training.
“Coming up against Wilf, he’s one of the best one-on-one attackers that’s played in the Premier League," Mitchell recalled. "It was always difficult - but it was a nice difficult.
“It's something that obviously helped me today, especially coming up against wingers. When you play against Wilf, like nine times out of ten, you've seen most of the tricks you’ll face in the Premier League.”
The nerves kicked in
—Tyrick Mitchell
As for debut day, he laughed: “The nerves kicked in. It was a weird moment. It just felt, it felt surreal, but it was something that I was happy about.
“It’s hard to explain. I think for any young professional footballer who’s made their debut… it would be hard to describe that the first time you step on a pitch in the Premier League.”
And the lessons didn’t stop there as, during his first start – against Wolverhampton Wanderers, also in July 2020, at Molineux – he came up against another potent opponent out on the wing: Adama Traoré at the peak of his powers.
“I think this was one of the most difficult games I've had in the Premier League til today,” Mitchell reflected, looking at a photo of the game.
“And this guy was an animal. It just felt like I was so far off where I wanted to be, especially coming from the 21s and stuff, where I lock up all the wingers. This game just didn't feel right.”
This is the pinnacle of my career so far
—Tyrick Mitchell
Mitchell goes on to reflect about playing at Wembley Stadium with Palace, where he lifted two trophies just a stone’s throw away from where he grew up; his goals in a famous 4-0 win over Manchester United at Selhurst Park in May 2024, and in a 2-1 win over West Ham in September 2025; and how he’s felt celebrating all of his goals in recent years.
As for the pinnacle of his Palace career so far? Was it the FA Cup? The Community Shield? Becoming a European champion in Leipzig as recently as May?
For Mitchell, the first was the sweetest, as he looks back at himself clutching an FA Cup winners medal.
“I think this is the pinnacle of my career so far. I don't think anything will surpass this feeling: the first trophy against Man City,” he revealed.
“Obviously, we were underdogs, but to get over the line and win at Palace, it was just like… the feeling’s unmatched.”
As for the 250 appearances as a whole?: “It's a blessing, obviously. Coming through from Under-18s to the age I am now, it's a blessing to reach any milestone. I'm just glad that I've ticked another one off the checklist.
“I'm grateful that I've been able to be fit this entire time and be able to help Palace make history and win trophies and bring silverware to the fans.
“It's just an achievement for me. Obviously, I wish to get many more.”
Watch the full Palace TV feature with Mitchell above!