- Cardines speaks exclusively to Read Crystal Palace
- Influence of senior players
- Looking to experienced pros for advice
Crystal Palace academy right-back Rio Cardines spoke exclusively to Read Crystal Palace and revealed which senior players he is leaning on for advice as he continues his development at the club.
At just 19 years old, it is rare for a player to have played more senior games for their country than for their club, but for Cardines, this is the reality. 11 appearances for Trinidad and Tobago dwarfs his two senior games for Palace, but it’s fair to say that he is well set up to have a successful career at the club.
A versatile right-wing back who has consistently shown up for Palace’s under-21 side, it is no surprise that he has spent the majority of this season training with the first team and being included in numerous Premier League squads, as well as travelling across Europe with the first team.
This experience is vital for a young player, enabling them to learn and develop as they train with senior professionals.
‘I Try To Learn’ – Cardines on Leaning on Senior Teammates
Speaking exclusively with Read Crystal Palace, in collaboration with OurCPFC, Cardines discussed the first-team players who have had the biggest influence on his time with the senior team so far.
“I try to learn from everyone”, he began. “But especially the more experienced players in my position such as Clyne and Munoz, just watching how they carry themselves and asking little questions here and there.”
Between Palace’s current first-choice pair at right-back, Daniel Munoz and Nathaniel Clyne have made a combined total of 537 club appearances, and both offer unique skill sets that Cardines can learn from.
Munoz has become one of the most dangerous wing-backs in the Premier League since his signing from KRC Genk, and undoubtedly has the attacking side of the game locked down. Alternatively, Nathaniel Clyne has always been a solid defender, and therefore, Cardines could ask for little more than to learn from that pair.
Henderson’s Leadership
Cardines also cited Palace skipper Dean Henderson as a key influence, suggesting that his leadership extends to a care for the younger players in the squad. He spoke about the England international in the same vein as both Munoz and Clyne.
“[I’ve been] asking little questions here and there – that’s been massive for me, but all the lads are really good with me.”
Palace’s squad strikes you, from the outside, as a close-knit group. Therefore, it’s unsurprising to hear that Cardines has almost been taken under the wing of the senior players in the side.
Glasner has also praised the youngster, and his ability is clear. If he can continue to develop and progress, there is certainly a chance that Rio Cardines is a name we hear a lot more of going forward.
