Oliver Glasner has named one player he expects to play a vital role against Liverpool for Crystal Palace, it’s not who you’d think.
After a very strong display against Manchester City last weekend during a 4-2 defeat, Oliver Glasner will be looking to go one better this time out against Liverpool.
The Crystal Palace boss will have taken real positives from his side last weekend and will have watched Liverpool’s recent struggles with intrigue.
Ahead of the game, in which not many will be giving Palace a chance, Glasner has named the player he expects to rely on.
Here’s what he’s said in the build-up to the game against Liverpool.
Oliver Glasner names Dean Henderson as key man vs Liverpool
Speaking to the media, as quoted by the club website, Glasner has admitted he will need one man on top form this Sunday if Palace are to beat Liverpool.
He began, however, by explaining that he isn’t expecting some Michael Olise magic to win the game singlehandedly.
“I think Michael can’t win the game alone, but he has a big role, and all the others have a big role.”
In terms of who he expects to be vital, he has named Dean Henderson, before explaining why.
“We’ll need a great goalkeeper because Liverpool are a very attacking team, so everybody has a key role and we will show it again that we are competitive as a team.”
The goalkeeper who is currently earning £100k-a-week has been solid since being reintroduced to the side following Sam Johnstone’s injury.
How has Dean Henderson been playing lately?
Henderson came back in from the cold against Nottingham Forest and has been pretty decent since, despite failing to keep any clean sheets.
Let’s have a look at how he’s played during these past three games.
Dean Henderson’s stats since returning to the starting XI
| Forest | B’Mouth | Man City | |
| Match rating | 7.0 | 7.6 | 5.1 |
| Conceded | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Saves | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Goals prevented | 0.04 | 0.38 | -0.78 |
| Sweeping actions | 0 | 2 | 0 |
As seen above, he’s been pretty decent, with the City game even seeing some crucial saves which prevented the scoreline being even more.
Hopefully, as he plays more and gains confidence he will continue to improve, he will be needed this weekend.
