Few have raised their stock in the Crystal Palace squad this season after struggles, but one player has – despite only playing a handful of minutes.
This past Monday at the City Ground, Oliver Glasner turned to his bench and the academy to avoid a third successive loss and move out of the bottom three.
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- Premier League
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In this attempted roll of the dice, Glasner put Asher Agbinone onto the pitch where he only had a few minutes – although he left fans impressed in his brief cameo for Crystal Palace.
After the game, fans were demanding that Agbinone be handed an improved role and start getting regular minutes at left wing.
This comes after Agbinone embarrassed the Wolves defence during pre-season before he scored – a goal which shows he can play in the Premier League, just over a week before the Eagles will face Wolves.
Asher Agbinone should be excited to possibly be managed by Graham Potter
Despite getting his league debut out of the way on Monday, the prospects of turning this into a regular thing do look slim right now – with Glasner only turning to Agbinone through desperation – as the system does not give a natural position for the No.64.
Agbinone is seen as a possible next academy player to make the step up, and he resembles Wilfried Zaha’s style of play with direct dribbling that causes defenders lots of problems.
The 19-year-old will be grateful to Glasner, which could make the rumours around his exit concerning, with Graham Potter viewed as one replacement option by Steve Parish.
The arrival of Potter though could be very beneficial to Agbinone, with the English manager often utilising formations which have more traditional wingers – as opposed to the two No.10s that Glasner used at Chelsea.
- 4-2-3-1
- 4-3-3
- 3-4-3
All three of these formations would give Agbinone a position to target as he could very well play on the left – with Eberechi Eze moved centrally.
Another reason Agbinone should be excited is due to how Potter was a big user of the academy and youth at both Brighton and Chelsea.
What Agbinone said after making his Crystal Palace Premier League debut
After his debut, Agbinone spoke with club media and explained how delighted he was to have been given the chance by Glasner.
“[They told me to] just be direct, positive and make something happen. Unfortunately, I couldn’t and it didn’t go the way that we wanted, but we will continue to work hard.
“It felt great [to receive the ball and take the defender on], it’s something I always like to do, but again nothing really came of it so I’ve got to continue to work hard and go again.”
Agbinone has been part of a number of squads and has clearly impressed Glasner.
“I would say that [my hard work has been rewarded]. I’m very thankful for the gaffer, and obviously the team, the coaches and the backroom staff, for giving me the opportunity to play in the Premier League.
“Training up has been excellent, it’s everything I would want. Getting challenged against some of the best players in the world, it’s tough every day, and that’s what I like to do.”
