Daichi Kamada has struggled since reuniting with Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace.
The Japan international made 93 appearances under the Austrian at Eintracht Frankfurt – scoring 25 goals in those games, while also helping the German side win the UEFA Europa League in 2022.
However, the Crystal Palace No.18 has appeared to struggle with the intensity of English football since swapping Rome for Selhurst Park back in July.
So, what does Oliver Glasner now think of Daichi Kamada after his slow start? Let’s take a look…
How Oliver Glasner feels about Daichi Kamada
A story from The Athletic has now provided some insight into the 28-year-old’s situation.
It is said that Glasner still values Kamada greatly, with the Japanese midfielder’s versatility and consistent availability mentioned as traits the 50-year-old likes best.
Ultimately – like Crystal Palace as a whole this season – the man from Ehime is simply yet to settle.
Kamada, who almost had his foot broken by Lisandro Martinez, has been used on the right flank, as a central No.10, and also as a deeper lying No.6 just five games into his Premier League career – hardly the best way to go about bedding into a division which is arguably Europe’s toughest.
Crystal Palace cannot use the Japan international as a No.6 anymore
So far, Kamada has seemed most effective in a central No.10 role, which is where he scored from in the 4-0 Carabao Cup win over Norwich City.
This area allows him to avoid the bulk of physical confrontations – which he appears to be struggling with when deployed in a No.6 role – and enables his superb attacking positioning, along with his tidy footwork, to stand out instead.
When used right in the heart of midfield in a deeper role, Kamada seems to lack the physical power to be an effective option, in terms of winning aerial duels and also driving forward with the ball, in stark contrast to someone like Cheick Doucoure, who is more bullish and robust.
The signs so far suggest he is far more adept at arriving late into the box to finish off moves, the role in which Frank Lampard made a stellar career out of.
In case you missed it, Glasner was also heard to be impressed by Kamada’s finishing in training at Copers Cope.
Hopefully, Glasner can find a suitable role for the Crystal Palace No.18 in south London soon, as there is clearly a decent player in there.
