In a difficult period for Crystal Palace, it was vital that they found the right captain to replace Marc Guehi. Lately, fans have been critical of Oliver Glasner, but his decision to put the armband on Dean Henderson is paying off.
The English goalkeeper has long been applauded for his passion, bubbly personality, and performances. He heroically saved Omar Marmoush’s penalty in last season’s 1-0 FA Cup final win over Manchester City.
Crystal Palace needed someone to step up and lead the team out of a storm, and Henderson is proving he’s the man for the job. Not only is he putting in crucial displays between the sticks, but he’s also speaking honestly to the Eagles’ supporters about the tense situation.
Crystal Palace: Saluting Henderson
This is now Henderson’s third season since he arrived at Palace from Manchester United in the summer of 2023 for £20m. He will be making his 100th appearance for the club in tonight’s Europa Conference League clash against Bosnian minnows Zrinjski Mostar.
Henderson spoke ahead of that game about the ongoing speculation over players wanting out of Selhurst Park. He put those individuals on notice during the pre-match press conference (via BeanymanSports):
“They certainly shouldn’t [be thinking about their next move] and if they have they need to be very careful because if you don’t put the performances in, then ultimately you don’t get the move.”
Henderson added:
“They need to be very careful. I’m not aware of it, but I would suggest they should be careful if they are thinking like that.”
Adam Wharton’s future is uncertain amid links to Liverpool and Manchester United ahead of the summer transfer window. Newcastle-linked Jean-Philippe Mateta pushed to leave in January but failed a medical ahead of a proposed move to AC Milan.
The irony of Henderson sat next to a manager who has confirmed he is leaving in June won’t be lost anyone. Glasner’s decison to publicly reveal his intentions in January have caused a rift between the coach and the fanbase.
So too have Palace’s dismal displays in recent months including the 1-1 draw away to Zrinjski last week. The two sides meet in the second-leg of their Conference League play-off tonight at Selhurst Park.
Henderson will be eager to head into the last 16 with the Eagles and potentially captain his team to a first-ever European trophy. He is embodying the desire from supporters to see their club continue making history as they did last season.
Message received
Henderson is almost acting as the mediator in the ongoing argument between Glasner and fans. His manager told the supporters to “stay humble” and that they should remember where they came from.
Glasner was evidently irked by chants in Bosnia last week which called for him to be sacked. He later claimed that his response was misinterpreted but the words speak for themselves.
Henderson touched on the gloomy atmosphere surrounding the South Londoners at the moment. The 28-year-old sent a clear message to fans:
“It’s so important that the fans get behind the team, but we’ve got to give something back as well. It’s been a difficult period and the players have to take a lot of responsibility. We’ve got to do better.”
Palace bounced back on the weekend with a 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. He was crucial as he saved a penalty from Tolu Arokodare in the first-half.
“When it comes to the Premier League, you have to earn the right to win games of football. We thought we got the turnaround at Brighton, but had a setback against Burnley.”
The victory against Wolves was just the second time Glasner’s man had won in 16 games across competitions. His shot-stopper is eager for the team to continue improving:
“We have to keep trying to build the momentum, and it begins to get easier once you are in the rhythm of winning games of football. That’s what we’ve been working towards, and it’s the message I keep giving to get the confidence back.”
Should Palace beat Zrinjski tonight they will face either Mainz or AEK Larnaca in the last 16. Henderson’s experience is key as the Eagles look to progress further in Europe while finishing the Premier League campaign on a positive note.
Matthew Guyett is an experienced sports journalist who has over five years of covering European football and the Premier League. He has a passion for the sport which is told through his writing.
