- Rio Cardines talks exclusively to Read Crystal Palace
- Young full-back on studying ex-Liverpool star
- Why he admires him
Crystal Palace rising star Rio Cardines has revealed exclusively to Read Crystal Palace the influence former Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has had on him. The exciting Eagles youngster is catching the eye and made his senior debut earlier this season.
Cardines debuted for Palace in a 2-0 win over Dynamo Kyiv in the league phase of the UEFA Conference League in November. The versatile right-back came off the bench at the age of 19 years and three months.
The Stevenage-born teenager has been earning praise during his time playing for the Eagles at youth level. His energetic profile and attacking-minded playing style have many predicting an extremely bright future for him at Selhurst Park.
Rio Cardines on Admiring Alexander-Arnold
Cardines has now made two senior appearances but is still awaiting his first outing in the Premier League. That should be on the cards in the near future and he’ll be looking to follow in the footsteps of one of the English top-flight’s most talented full-backs in history.
Speaking to Read Crystal Palace in partnership with OurCPFC, Cardines spoke of his admiration for former Liverpool star Alexander-Arnold. He revealed how he has studied the Real Madrid man’s game during his growth:
“I like Trent Alexander-Arnold a lot, and the way he influences the game from full-back, especially going forward, is something I really admire. His crossing and creativity really stood out to me, and I try to take parts of his game into my own whilst developing my own style.”
Alexander-Arnold was a huge success during his time at Anfield, wowing the Kop with his playmaking abilities. He holds the record for the most assists from a defender in Premier League history (59).
Palace fans will be hoping they’ve found their own Trent in Cardines, who recently signed a new long-term deal. He is one for the future, but also for the present, as he makes his way into the senior setup.
Oliver Glasner Hails Cardines ‘Fantastic Attitude’
Palace have several gems shining in the academy, including Joel-Drakes Thomas, 16, and Dean Benamar, 17. Those who make it at senior level and become permanent fixtures in the Premier League need to possess the right mindset.
Alexander-Arnold certainly did as he grew at his boyhood club, rising through the ranks at youth level before exploding into a superstar under Jurgen Klopp. He even earned Liverpool’s vice captaincy in the latter stages of his Anfield career.
Oliver Glasner feels Cardines has the mentality to succeed with the South Londoners. The Austrian gave a glowing verdict back in September (via the club’s website):
“We have a player from our academy, Rio Cardines, who played both games for Trinidad and Tobago during the international break. Fantastic attitude – and he will get his minutes. I think we showed last year that we want to give our Academy players a chance if they’re doing well.”
Cardines has shown maturity beyond his years, and that’s already earned him 11 caps for Trinidad and Tobago. He could very well be competing with Daniel Munoz for a starting berth come next season.
