Crystal Palace right-back Joel Ward has spoken freely on recent changes to the Palace squad, claiming that competition for places has driven the squad to improve.
Palace were short in a number of positions, but most notably the right-back spot: before the summer, Ward was the only recognised natural right-back in the first-team squad. The Eagles have since added former West Brom prospect Nathan Ferguson and veteran ex-Eagle Nathaniel Clyne to their ranks.
Exhibiting a stoic drive to raise his game, Ward has spoken to the Evening Standard of how saturation of depth in his position has encouraged him to improve.
“I think any time there is competition for places it only raises the bar,” said Ward. “As a player you’ve got to perform but there is enough experience in the squad in every position that you are always trying to make sure you are at the top of your game.
“You compete for places, compete for that and you’ve got to trust in the hours you put in on the training pitch, when no one is watching that go on and put you in good stead.
“It is only healthy that there is competition for places and it only drives people more.”
The Eagles make the trip to London neighbours Fulham at Craven Cottage, looking to break their three-game winless run with a victory over the Cottagers.
Palace were unlucky not to win against rivals Brighton, conceding an equalising long-range goal in the 90th minute following a strike from the Seagulls’ Alexis Mac Allister.
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Joel Ward’s indications shows how the benefits of squad investment are multi-faceted.
Beyond the simple insurance that comes with improved cover in several positions, the healthy competition between players for starting XI spots clearly has a psychological effect.
Players will look to train and perform on the pitch that bit harder as they work to ensure the limelight remains on them. Consequentially, the quality of performance could be expected to improve.
