Dylan Monk

A modern, ball-playing centre-back, Dylan Monk prides himself on his intelligence, positioning and composure in possession.

Monk joined Crystal Palace at the age of seven through the club’s pre-academy programme, having begun his footballing journey with Maidstone United. After officially signing at Under-9 level, he quickly adapted to academy life and gained valuable early experience on a tour of Germany.

One of the most formative experiences of his development came summer of 2025 when he travelled to Morocco with the Under-18s. Thrust into an unfamiliar environment alongside older players and new coaches, Monk was forced outside his comfort zone.

“Being in a new environment with people I didn’t really know was uncomfortable,” he said. “But that’s what helps you grow. You learn how to adapt, and I think that makes me a better player and person.”

That willingness to embrace challenges has been reflected in his progress on the pitch. As an Under-16, Monk stepped up to make 13 appearances for the Under-18s during the 2025/26 season, making his debut in a 4-2 victory over Leicester City before featuring against West Ham United and in the FA Youth Cup win over Bradford City at Selhurst Park.

Monk became a regular around the turn of the year before an injury setback sidelined him between February and April.

Upon his return, he featured in the closing stages of the campaign, appearing in the FA Youth Cup semi-final against Manchester United at Old Trafford and making the bench for the U18s' Premier League Cup triumph over the same opposition at Selhurst Park.

He finished the season strongly, starting each of the final four U18 fixtures he was available for before GCSE commitments brought his campaign to a close.

“I love playing up,” Monk said. “I love a big challenge. I feel tested when I’m with the older boys, and that’s where I want to be.”

Comfortable stepping out with the ball and defending aggressively when required, he combines technical quality with a mature understanding of the game.

Much of that mentality, he says, comes from his family – particularly his dad, a former rugby player.

“My family have inspired me since I was young,” Monk added. “My dad’s always been there, always supporting me. That character off the pitch is what I try to bring onto the pitch as well.”

So far this season, Monk has been an ever-present, starting all seven games. He has featured on the left of a back three alongside Nat Kalembo and Alfie Mulvenna, with the trio developing a strong understanding of each other.

Monk became a regular around the turn of the year before an injury setback sidelined him between February and April.

He finished the season strongly, starting each of the final four U18 fixtures he was available for before GCSE commitments brought his campaign to a close.

“I love playing up,” Monk said. “I love a big challenge. I feel tested when I’m with the older boys, and that’s where I want to be.”

Comfortable stepping out with the ball and defending aggressively when required, he combines technical quality with a mature understanding of the game.

Much of that mentality, he says, comes from his family – particularly his dad, a former rugby player.

“My family have inspired me since I was young,” Monk added. “My dad’s always been there, always supporting me. That character off the pitch is what I try to bring onto the pitch as well.”

Dylan
Monk

Dylan Monk

Player Statistics2026/27

Player StatisticsCareer

Dylan
Monk

Dylan Monk

Player Statistics2026/27

Player StatisticsCareer

DylanMonk

DylanMonk

Dylan
Monk

Dylan
Monk