David Ozoh
Signing for Palace as an eight-year-old, David Ozoh has slowly progressed through the Academy to become an imposing central midfielder, capable of playing with older age groups throughout his development.
Signing for Palace as an eight-year-old, David Ozoh has slowly progressed through the Academy to become an imposing central midfielder, capable of playing with older age groups throughout his development.
Originally an attacking player, he has moved back into the centre of midfield over the past few years, becoming an all-action midfielder.
His popularity with coaches and teammates off the field belies his aggression on it. Tall, strong and skilful, he combines an impressive athleticism with an eye for a pass, and is crucial in Palace winning back possession in the middle of the park.
After featuring four times from the bench for the Under-18s in the 2020/21 season, as they took the title race down to the wire, he played for Paddy McCarthy’s Under-23s side against Dulwich Hamlet in pre-season of the 2021/22 campaign.
He went on to notch 23 league appearances for Rob Quinn's Under-18 side in the 2021/22 season and even managed to feature three times at Under-23 level. His performances earned him a place in the squad which travelled to Singapore and Australia as part of preparations for the 2022/23 campaign.
Ozoh established himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet for McCarthy's Under-21s at the start of the 22/23 campaign, featuring in 14 of a possible 15 games in the first half of the season. His performances earned him his first professional contract in August 2022 and he has since progressed to make the first-team bench against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup and against AFC Bournemouth, Chelsea and Manchester United in the Premier League.
The midfielder made history when, on January 21st, 2023, he appeared for the final four minutes of Palace's 0-0 draw against Newcastle, becoming the club's youngest-ever Premier League player at the age of 17 years, eight months and 15 days.
He earned his first international call-up at in March 2023 for England U18s. He finished 22/23 with 38 appearances in all competitions for the U21s and U18s, with two goals to his name.
Ozoh came on at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup third round clash against Manchester United in September 2023, in his first appearance for the senior squad of 23/24.