- Rio Cardines made his Premier League debut against Arsenal
- Crystal Palace lost 2-1 in Oliver Glasner’s farewell match
- All focus now on Conference League final
Rio Cardines made his Premier League debut at Selhurst Park in Crystal Palace’s final Premier League match of the season. The Eagles hosted the newly-crowned Premier League champions Arsenal in Oliver Glasner’s penultimate match.
Cardines started as left wing-back taking the place of Tyrick Mitchell as Glasner rotated ahead of Wednesday’s UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallencano.
The 19-year-old has now made three senior appearances this season, coming of the bench in the 3-0 victory over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup and against Dynamo Kyiv in the Eagles first Conference League match.
Cardines has been itching for a Premier League start, frequently featuring on the bench for Palace with Glasner often reluctant to rotate with youth players this season.
“A dream come true”
Cardines wrote that it had been a “dream come true” to make his first ever Premier League appearance and especially in-front of the crowds in South London:
“I’m very appreciative. To get the opportunity to start in the Premier League is something you dream of as a little boy.
“It’s a dream come true. The crowd is incredible. I love every part of this club: the fans, the staff, everything.”
The Trinidad and Tobago international was unlucky not to be involved in more games this season after suffering multiple injuries this season.
Exciting prospects for Cardines
As one of the most exciting talents coming from the Eagles academy, Cardines future looks bright. He has already consolidated himself in the Trinidad and Tobago national team making 11 appearances since his first senior appearance at just 18 years old.
For Palace’s U21 side Cardines has scored twice with three assists in only 12 appearances this season.
Fortunately for Palace Cardines extended his contract earlier this year till June 2028. Under a new manager Palace fans could be seeing more of Cardines next season.
