- Lucca Benetton in high demand
- Palace should do their best to keep hold
- A hugely promising future
Crystal Palace Under-18s goalkeeper Lucca Benetton has been linked with a move away from the club this Summer, according to Pete O’Rourke.
At just fifteen years of age, Benetton has enjoyed a miraculous season with the under-18s, including a man of the match performance against Manchester United in the PL Cup final.
Benetton saved the winning penalty in the shootout as Palace went on to lift silverware, and his performance across the final inspired Palace’s win, and now the big fish are circling.
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Benetton a must-keep for Palace
After earning category one academy status, Palace are in a position where they are now able to attract and maintain young talent.
Although the academy system has improved hugely, we have seen other emerging stars, including Chelsea’s Jesse Derry move on before signing pro-deals with Palace.
It’s being reported that a host of top European clubs including Manchester United, PSV Eindhoven and Club Brugge are circling the England Under-17 international.
Benetton has spent time training with the first team this season, and at just fifteen years of age, the level of performances he has been producing are truly impressive.
His performances in the numerous clashes between Palace and Manchester United recently have been consistently excellent, and he is very quickly building a name for himself amongst the Palace fanbase.
Future star
Not only is his one-on-one shot stopping ability top class, but his distribution is consistent, clinical and a deadly weapon when in possession.
His confidence also shines through when watching him play.
A 15-year-old playing up with the under-18s is not necessarily uncommon, but for a goalkeeper to do that is a huge sign of the club’s belief in him.
The interest he is attracting is completely unsurprising. He’s a superb goalkeeping prospect and is likely to have a successful career in the game.
Palace should be doing everything in their power to keep him in South London.
