Rio Cardines
Rio Cardines joined Palace at the age of 16, he is capable of playing either left-back or right-back or in a more advanced role if needed.
Rio Cardines joined Palace at the age of 16, he is capable of playing either left-back or right-back or in a more advanced role if needed.
Rio Cardines is a quick, athletic, youngster who joined Palace at Under-16s in 2022. He was a part of the side which won a pre-season tournament against Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Dundee United in August 2022.
Though he is predominantly a right-back, he can also slot in on the wing or anywhere else across the defence if required. Cardines made his first start for Rob Quinn's Under-18s side against Norwich City in November 2022 and managed to get on the scoresheet in a 2-2 draw.
His performances for the young Eagles saw him earn a call-up in January 2023 to the Trinidad and Tobago Under-17s side for their participation in the CONCACAF Under-17 Championship. He played three games and managed to score one goal for Trinidad and Tobago as they made it to the quarter-finals of the tournament.
Cardines finished the 22/23 campaign with 18 appearances and two goals to his name. He was also named in Trinidad and Tobago's provisional squad for the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
He was named in the Under-21s matchday squad for the first time in their EFL Trophy clash against the first-team of Wycombe Wanderers in September 2023.
Cardines came off the bench to make his first appearance for the Under-21s in their Premier League International Cup tie against Athletic Club in late September 2023.