Daichi Kamada finally announced himself at Crystal Palace on Wednesday night with a significant moment.
The man born in Ehime netted a superb winner against Aston Villa to fire Crystal Palace into the Carabao Cup quarter-final for the first time since 2011, showing great awareness to intercept a pass from Diego Carlos before rifling home.
Not only was it an impressive show of technique from the Japan international, but it also spoke volumes about his mentality, having initially struggled after replacing Eberechi Eze in the 18th minute and giving the ball away for Jhon Duran’s equaliser.
Therefore, it must have been a huge relief for Daichi Kamada to net the winner, and Oliver Glasner played his part with a message at half-time.
What Oliver Glasner said to Daichi Kamada
As quoted by Edmund Brack of the South London Press, Glasner said: “It was difficult for him (Kamada) to come into the game after 15 minutes and to play as a ten. He switched to playing as a six 15 minutes later. He lost the ball before the equaliser – everybody would like to have a better start into a game like this.
“I spoke with him at half-time and said: ‘Stay calm and score a goal.’
“For me, it sometimes looks like he wants it a little bit too much. He did it. I know that finishing from the edge of the box is one of his strengths. I’m very delighted for him.”
Crystal Palace fans must keep faith with Daichi Kamada
The Austrian knows the Crystal Palace No.18 better than anybody at Selhurst Park – after overseeing 93 matches in charge of Eintracht Frankfurt with the midfielder in his team.
Glasner clearly knows how to connect with Kamada, as the 28-year-old carried out the 50-year-old’s instructions to a tee in the second half with an excellent finish.
Hopefully, it is a sign of things to come from the summer arrival, who is quite clearly far more comfortable playing in attacking midfield compared to defensive midfield.
The man from Japan evidently has the support of his teammates regardless of where he plays, as shown by Jean-Philippe Mateta’s celebration after the winning goal, in what was a heartwarming moment.
