- Crystal Palace face Brentford
- Brennan Johnson could be handed another start
- Welsh attacker has stuttered at Selhurst Park
Crystal Palace’s penultimate game of the Premier League campaign comes against Brentford and Brennan Johnson might have a chance to finally prove his worth. The Welsh attacker has been criticised for a dissapointing start to life with the Eagles.
Johnson joined Palace from Tottenham Hotspur in January for £35m. He initially became the South Londoners’ club record signing until Jorgen Strand Larsen’s £48m arrival.
There were big expectations of Johnson given his experience playing for Tottenham Hotspur. He scored the winner in the 2025 Europa League final but came off the boil under Thomas Frank in the first half of this season.
Judging Johnson
Johnson has failed to impress thus far, without a goal and registering two assists in 25 games for Palace. Oliver Glasner has continuously defended the Welshman but the Austrian has handed him a bit-part role.
With the Eagles preparing for a UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano on May 27th, Glasner might opt to rotate in the last two league games. That’s why Johnson might have the opportunity to finally justify the significant fee the club paid for him.
Johnson’s versatility has seen him play at right wing-back, as well as in his preferred position on the wing. If he does start today, it could be for either Ismaila Sarr or Daniel Munoz to allow one of them to rest.
The jury is out on the Wales international, though, and there’s already talk over his future. Club legend Clinton Morisson doesn’t think he’ll be sold this summer but acknowledges a lack of confidence that Glasner’s successor will need to address.
Pressure is on
It would be rash to sell Johnson so early into his Palace career but he certainly needs to improve. Hefty price tag aside, the Eagles will need a squad with strong depth to beat Rayo and qualify for next season’s Europa League.
Johnson impressed at Nottingham Forest when he first appeared in the Premier League. He became the Tricky Trees’ star man, posting 29 goals and 12 assists in 109 games.
The Welshman’s Spurs spell was full of ups and downs but he did finish last season as their top scorer. He has shown his talent over the years, and games like today are a chance for him to put in a solid performance and win a large section of a concerned fanbase over.
