Oliver Glasner has handed Rio Cardines a chance to shine in Crystal Palace’s clash with Arsenal today (May 24th). The Eagles host the newly-crowned Premier League champions at Selhurst Park.
Cardines is one of the most exciting talents in the club’s academy, and he made his senior debut off the bench in a 3-0 win over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup. He gets his first taste of top-flight action today when he starts at left wing-back.
The 19-year-old comes into Glasner’s starting XI in Tyrick Mitchell’s place, allowing the Englishman to rest. The Eagles will have one eye on a UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday (May 27th).
Cardines handed start vs Arsenal
Cardines will make his Premier League debut and his first senior start. He’s been knocking on the first-team door and will be keen to show why he’s so highly rated.
The Trinidad and Tobago international has already earned 11 caps for his nation. For the Eagles’ U21’s he’s starred with four goals and three assists in 35 games across competitions.
Cardines isn’t the only change made by Glasner to the side that drew 2-2 against Brentford last weekend. He goes with Dean Henderson in goal, with Nathaniel Clyne, Jefferson Lerma and Chadi Riad in defence.
Daniel Munoz continues at right wing-back while Daichi Kamada is partnered by Will Hughes in midfield. In attack, Ismaila Sarr continues with Justin Devanney on the left and Jorgen Strand Larsen leading the line.
Cardines on Palace’s exciting project
Cardines signed a new deal with Palace earlier this year and that was largely down to the trust the club has shown in youth. He explained this in an exclusive interview with Read Crystal Palace via OurCPFC:
“What excites me most about the pathway [is the] trust the club shows in young players... “You can see there’s a clear plan to develop young talent and give opportunities.”
There are many other youngsters catching the eye at youth level and Javier Alonso’s U18’s won the Premier League Cup in April. The future is bright for the South Londoners whose academy continues to unearth gems.
