- Daniel Munoz has starred for Crystal Palace
- Clinton Morrison is a fan
- Eagles legend thinks an Arsenal star is currently superior
Since Daniel Munoz’ move to Crystal Palace from Belgium Pro League side KRC Genk, the Colombian has registered ten goals and 13 assists, a sound return for the initial £6.6 million investment.
Transforming the way that Palace played, especially under Oliver Glasner, Munoz has consistently staked a claim as one of the league’s best right-backs, but with the emergence of newer talents in the league, just how strong is his claim?
Morrison’s Munoz Claim
Former Palace striker Clinton Morrison recently gave his thoughts on Munoz when asked who he thinks is the Premier League’s most complete right-back. He responded (via GOAL):
“It’s a good debate, and a difficult one, because right-backs are very different to wing-backs. I wouldn’t say he’s the best right-back.”
That point hints towards the unique utilisation of Munoz for Palace, and his deployment as a wing-back, primarily focused on attacking, and thriving in the final third, with his high-energy style of play.
“I’d probably say someone like Jurrien Timber. He’s been outstanding at full-back for Arsenal this season, been brilliant. So there are other full-backs ahead of him (Munoz).”
He added:
“But he’d be in the top four for sure in terms of what he offers Crystal Palace as a wing-back, because I think he’s been outstanding this season. And when they picked up that injury, they missed him.”
The injury Morrison refers to, of course, came amidst the club’s long winless run across December and January, and has continued to cause Munoz issues since.
Nursing that injury, Munoz also injured his shoulder badly in Palace’s 3-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur, after a collision with young Brazilian defender Vinicius Souza.
Glasner has praised Munoz’s recovering abilities, claiming the Colombian “doesn’t feel pain where the rest of us do.”
Dreaming of a Big Move
Munoz has in the past vocalised his dream of moving to one of Europe’s elite clubs, and his skill-set is certainly something that could see a move materialise. The likes of Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and most recently, Manchester United, for whom Munoz previously stated it would be a “dream” to play.
Asked about this potential move, Morrison said:
“It depends really. He’s at an age now where he’s getting older, and Man United paying that much money for an older player… I understand the reservation.”
At 29-years-old, Munoz is certainly heading towards the back-end of his career, and the questions surrounding his best position have also raised concern when discussing a potential move.
“Is Munoz better in a wing-back or better as a full-back?” asked Morrison. “That’s the big decision, and Man United are playing with a standard full-back now.”
The attitude surrounding a potential move does seem to be focused on the specification of Munoz’s position, and the delay in his first move to a top European league may have hindered his chances at a further transfer to one of Europe’s elite clubs.
Whether he gets his dream move or not, Munoz has shone at Palace and is, without question, one of the Premier League’s most consistent players and a specialist in his role.
