- Crystal Palace face Fiorentina
- Daniel Munoz comes in for huge praise
- Colombian applauded for his consistency
Joleon Lescott and James Tomkins have given glowing verdicts of Crystal Palace star Daniel Munoz. The punditry pair highlighted his effectiveness with crosses.
Munoz is enjoying yet another fine season for the Eagles since arriving from Belgian outfit Genk in January 2024. He was named in Oliver Glasner’s starting lineup for the UEFA Conference League quarter-final second leg against Fiorentina.
The Colombian has been a key man in the European campaign thus far, providing width and a threat with his crossing abilities. It was recently revealed that he is statistically the best right-back in the Premier League this season.
Lescott and Tomkins Hail Munoz
Munoz, now 29, is also a leader of sorts, and when he was absent during the winter period, he was missed. While he sat on the sidelines, Glasner’s men faltered, and the Austrian even came under pressure.
The energetic wing-back returned and so too did Palace to form. They have lost just three times since he recovered from a knee injury.
Lescott is a fan of Munoz and spoke highly of his consistency, telling TNT Sports:
“Very consistent, very exciting to watch and was a constant threat for Palace in the first leg. (Fiorentina) will have to add that to their gameplan, to nullify his threat because yes he can defend and he does defend but given an opportunity to get forward, his timing of runs, his quality in the box, he tends to make the right decision nine times out of ten.”
Former Palace captain Tomkins also waxed lyrical:
“He’s someone you’d love in your team and he gives you everything, epitomises everything Palace are about. He has heart.”
Munoz has appeared 35 times across competitions this season, posting four goals and two assists. His performances are going a long way in helping the Eagles end another season with potential silverware.
‘Keep Fighting’ – Munoz Wants Another Trophy
Munoz celebrated his first trophy as a Palace player when he lifted the FA Cup with his teammates last season. A famous 1-0 win over Manchester City in the final at Wembley saw the Colombian deliver yet another vital performance.
While there have been bumps in the road this campaign, Glasner’s troops are still on course to fulfil a dream European title triumph. That’s exactly what Munoz wants once the curtain closes on the 2026-27 season.
The Colombia star told Palace’s media:
“We have to keep working and we have to keep fighting. I am faithful and I believe that, in the end, honest work always pays off, so it remains on us to get up every morning, work hard, and fight for the best results for the team.
He added:
“The goals for us are clear: we want to finish as high as possible in the Premier League table, hopefully reaching the European places again – and we want to reach the Conference League final in Leipzig.”
Palace are 3-0 ahead on aggregate heading into tonight’s second leg against Fiorentina. A semi-final is at stake and it’s crucial the Italian job is completed.
