Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton: Key to EFL Cup Success
Crystal Palace aims to secure more silverware on Tuesday at Emirates Stadium, with young midfielder Adam Wharton potentially playing a pivotal role.
The 21-year-old was instrumental in guiding the Eagles to FA Cup victory against Manchester City earlier this year, followed by a triumph in the Community Shield against Liverpool.
Oliver Glasner's team is just two rounds away from another trip to Wembley in the EFL Cup, but they must first face Premier League leaders Arsenal in the quarter-finals.
To build on their recent achievements and establish a consistent presence in European competitions, retaining Wharton during the upcoming January transfer window is crucial.
“He is still a young player, but the way he moves around the pitch looks so calm, and he hasn’t even played 50 Premier League games yet,” remarked Match of the Day pundit Thomas Hitzlsperger. “Being so central and yet so inexperienced while having such an impact on this team is really impressive. He is a modern number six who not only passes the ball effectively but also excels at winning it back.”
Hitzlsperger added, “His awareness on the pitch is constant. He knows his position and where his teammates are. Sometimes he jogs around without breaking a sweat, but he understands where he needs to be. Nobody can dispossess him.”
Currently, Palace sits eighth in the Premier League after a 4-1 defeat to Leeds on Saturday, having dropped from fifth place. They are just three points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.
Palace has entered a two-legged playoff in the Conference League and will need Wharton to perform at his best to keep their European aspirations alive.
Described as a “classy, fiercely competitive midfielder” by BBC Sport’s chief football writer Phil McNulty, Wharton has been “running games” with his “loping, languid style.”
It is no surprise that he has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, Liverpool, and both Manchester teams.
This article takes an in-depth look at Wharton and how he compares to other Premier League midfielders.
Wharton’s Performance Compared to Premier League Midfielders
Wharton showcased his abilities in the midfield despite a 3-0 loss against Manchester City in December, where he led his team with four tackles, according to Opta, averaging 2.2 tackles per game.
Defensively, he also averages 2.1 interceptions per game, demonstrating his tactical intelligence and situational awareness. Although he came close to scoring in that match, hitting the post and missing two good opportunities, it indicates that he has room for improvement in his attacking play.
This season, Wharton has played 1,213 minutes in the Premier League across 15 appearances, making an average of 4.9 progressive passes per match and 0.7 chances from open play. Among his teammates, he leads in attempted passes in the final third (170) and ranks second for through balls (8), just behind Yeremy Pino in chances created (21).
In comparison to other Premier League midfielders, Wharton has a 50% dribble completion rate, with only Elliot Anderson (53.9%) and Declan Rice (57.1%) performing better. Rice also leads in progressive carries with 11.3, followed by Anderson (9.8) and Bruno Guimaraes (6.5), while Wharton averages 4.8.
Despite ranking lower for passes and passing accuracy under high-pressure situations, Wharton stands third for forward passes completed under such conditions with 6.53 per 90 minutes, indicating his willingness to attempt line-breaking passes.
Defensively, he ranks second in interceptions (1.1) behind Caicedo, fourth in possession won, and third in tackles made and duels won compared to his fellow midfielders.
Regarded as a player for the future, Wharton is proving he belongs in the conversation with the very best in the Premier League.
Wharton acknowledges that there is still work to be done. “I try to take bits from everyone,” he said following his team's 2-0 victory over Wolves last month. “It doesn’t matter if it’s the opposition or in training; people come up in different positions.”
He added, “I chat with them off the pitch as well to learn different things, even if it’s not necessarily about football, but the mental aspects. It’s the little things. I try to absorb as much as I can, and hopefully, it will help me improve. You have to be like that in football, especially with how rapidly it’s changing.”
Will Wharton Make Tuchel’s England Squad?
Match of the Day pundit and former Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given praised Wharton's intelligence on the pitch. “He strikes me as a player you don’t have to overly coach; he understands the position,” Given stated. “Sometimes he stands still and lets the play unfold around him. He anticipates the pass before it even arrives. His mind operates a step ahead of those around him.”
“In my opinion, he’s one of the most gifted midfielders in the Premier League. Will he make the team for the World Cup? He’s definitely on the plane, in my view.”