- Lerma and Muñoz inlcuded in Preliminary WC Squad
- Colombia prepare for third World Cup this century
- Both Palace stars key players for Colombia
Both Daniel Muñoz and Jefferson Lerma have been included in Colombia’s preliminary World Cup squad. Colombian head coach Néstor Lorenzo announced that the two Crystal Palace players had been included on Thursday night.
Both have played key roles for Palace in all competitions this season, and the call-ups are not only well-deserved but a reflection on their reliability for their national side over the past years.
Colombia lost the Copa América final 1-0 to Argentina after extra time, and will be hoping to push for success in the World Cup this Summer.
Colombia’s last World Cup appearance was back in 2018, when they reached the round of 16, losing on penalties to England.
They missed out on the last World Cup in Qatar as they finished 6th in the CONMEBOL Qualifying group. Prior to this Summer, Colombia have only featured in two World Cups since 1998.
READ: Latest Crystal Palace news and updates
FOLLOW: Read Crystal Palace on Facebook, Instagram and X
Daniel Muñoz
Muñoz has had yet another tantalising campaign in South London. With five goals and four assists, Muñoz has been a consistent threat for Palace. He’s also played 41 times across all competitions, and scored Palace’s first ever goal in European competition in the first league phase game against Dynamo Kyiv.
Muñoz has played 42 times for Colombia, accumulating three goals and three assists. His importance to the national team is not quite as pivotal as his role for Palace, where the style of play centres around his excellence on the right-hand side.
Alas, Muñoz has established himself as a top Premier League right-back, and one of the best specialists in his role in world football.
If Colombia can facilitate his strengths in a similar way to how Palace have, he will undoubtedly stand out at this Summer’s tournament.
Jefferson Lerma
Lerma’s contract is set to expire this Summer, although the player holds the option of triggering an extra season, and Palace are keen to extend his stay for as many as three further seasons.
The midfielder has played 44 times, assisting four times but is yet to score this campaign. Lerma has played 49 times for his nation, and is a key fixture of their midfield.
He featured for Colombia at two Olympic games as well as a World Cup, amongst Copa América features too.
Both Muñoz and Lerma will be key starters for Lorenzo’s side, and will have a huge role to play should Colombia make it deep in the competition.
