- Rio Cardines spoke to Read Crystal Palace
- Youngster excited about the club’s project
- Recently comitted future to the Eagles
Rio Cardines has spoken exclusively with Read Crystal Palace and highlighted the ‘exciting’ project after signing a new long-term deal with the club.
Cardines, who plays internationally for Trinidad and Tobago, put pen to paper on a new contract which keeps him at the club until 2028. A huge sign of the faith the club has in him.
Joining the club in 2022, the young right-back has consistently impressed and was rewarded with his first two appearances for the senior team.
The exciting prospect made his senior debut in a 2-0 win away to Dynamo Kyiv in Oliver Glasner’s side’s opening UEFA Conference League game. He then appeared at Anfield in a 3-0 win over Arne Slot’s Reds in the Carabao Cup fourth round.
Cardines has impressed manager Glasner and, with the first team all season, has given him vital experience and shown him a clear pathway to first-team football at the club.
‘Trust’ – Cardines on Crystal Palace Project
Speaking exclusively to Read Crystal Palace, in partnership with OurCPFC, Cardines has revealed the thinking behind signing his new deal at Selhurst Park.
“What excites me most about the pathway [is the] trust the club shows in young players.”
Palace has always been a hotbed for young talent, and South London is one of the leading areas of England from which professional footballers come. The transition to a category one academy has been a vital step for the club to convince bright young talents to remain in South London rather than leave for clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United.
Whilst some players have moved on, Palace’s transfer strategy has also been a clear sign of the club’s ideology. Signing young, exciting players, platforming them, and allowing them to express themselves before sending them off to massive clubs.
Cardines spoke about the club’s philosophy regarding younger players.
“You can see there’s a clear plan to develop young talent and give opportunities.”
Of course, with Palace competing on multiple fronts, fans may have expected slightly more rotation and therefore more chances for Cardines to impress, the superhuman fitness levels of Daniel Munoz mean he simply doesn’t miss games.
Glasner’s Influence on Cardines’ Development
Glasner has handed Cardines two senior appearances thus far and he’s spoken in the past about his “fantastic attitude.” The chance to train alongside the senior squad has enthused Cardines:
“Being part of [the first team], learning every day around the gaffer and top players and staff pushes me to constantly improve.”
There is no doubt that there are top players for him to learn from, and experiencing the highs of winning an FA Cup and a Community Shield are two moments that will have motivated Cardines to push for a spot in the first team.
Glasner awarded him his first minutes, and whilst he is a manager who prioritises winning games, there is a sense that if you’re good enough, you’re old enough – an encouraging mindset for any young player.
His appearance in the Europa Conference League will see him earn a winners’ medal should Palace lift the trophy in Leipzig. Overall, it feels as if his development and progression couldn’t be going much better, and Palace fans will be hoping that they can see that progress continue.
