While Crystal Palace are looking to progress in the Premier League this season, some of their youngsters are looking to push for a place in the future.
The Eagles have impressed under Oliver Glasner so far, which has created hope for a bright future at Selhurst Park.
Beyond some of the first-team names, there are some academy prospects that are looking to cause a selection headache for the years ahead.
Midfielder David Ozoh looks set for a loan move to Derby County, while Jesurun Rak-Sakyi is attracting transfer interest as Championship clubs look to seal a loan for the winger.
Meanwhile, one youngster who has already sealed a season-long loan is goalkeeper Joe Whitworth, who sealed a switch to League One outfit Exeter City.
- READ MORE: Crystal Palace confirmed signings, transfer ins and outs, loans and releases for 2024 summer window
Joe Whitworth praise
Whitworth, 20, has been an exciting option at Crystal Palace ever since he was thrust into the limelight at Selhurst Park.
Following some issues in the goalkeeping department, the academy prospect was given two Premier League appearances in 2022/23, impressing in both matches.
His development has continued up until the need for senior first-team matches, which has led to the switch to Exeter.
Whitworth was given a run out in the Grecians’ clash with Yeovil Town in pre-season, which ended in a 3-1 victory.
The youngster made a mistake leading to Yeovil’s goal but recovered well to save a penalty later on in the match.
Exeter boss Gary Caldwell heaped plenty of praise on the Palace man, telling BBC Radio Devon: “The biggest thing we look for is personality and character and Joe has that in abundance.
“I think we’ve seen that with the way he holds himself on the pitch.
“There was a mistake, it was a poor pass back to him and then he made the mistake, but we understand that everyone’s going to make mistakes in this team, but the reaction and the personality that you show after it is the most important thing.
“The next time he got the ball he played out the same, they got a penalty, he saves it, I think it tells you everything you need to know about the character and the boy.
“We’re delighted to bring him in, he’s going to be a goalie with a big future and hopefully another one the fans can really connect with this season.”
Crystal Palace goalkeeper options
This season could prove to be an important one for Whitworth as he continues to learn his trade between the sticks.
It’s especially key as Crystal Palace are blessed with plenty of goalkeeping talent already, making any push for minutes in the first-team quite tough.
Both Dean Henderson and Sam Johnstone are expected to battle it out for the number one shirt, while Remi Matthews is the third-choice option.
With two quality options leading the way, it gives room for Whitworth to grow while on his loan spell and come back from it even better.
It could result in the start of an impressive career at Crystal Palace.
