When Oliver Glasner arrived at Crystal Palace in early 2024, the club was hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone. Fast forward a few months, and Palace not only steered clear of trouble but also began showcasing a dynamic, well-drilled attacking system that echoes Glasner’s best work at Eintracht Frankfurt and Wolfsburg.
Glasner’s System: Fluid But Disciplined
Glasner typically deploys a flexible 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-1-2, emphasising:
- Rapid ball movement when transitioning up the pitch.
- Using wide players to stretch defences.
- Ensuring bodies are in dangerous positions when the ball is delivered into the penalty area.
Palace now play with a greater emphasis on structured attacking transitions. Patterns of play are clear: winning possession in midfield, finding wide areas quickly, and supporting the striker with aggressive runs from deeper players.
Inside Palace’s New-Look Attack
Eberechi Eze – The Creative Fulcrum
Eberechi Eze has thrived as the creative heartbeat of Crystal Palace’s attack under Oliver Glasner. Deployed primarily as an advanced playmaker, Eze operates fluidly between the left attacking midfield zone and the central pockets, giving Palace a player who can manipulate space, break defensive structures, and unlock compact opponents.
Eze’s responsibilities in Glasner’s system include:
- Receiving between the lines and drawing defenders out of shape.
- Dribbling at pace to destabilize defensive blocks.
- Threading through balls to exploit gaps left by disoriented backlines.
Key Stats (2024/25 - All Competitions):
- Appearances: 26
- Goals: 7
- Assists: 3
- Successful Dribbles per 90: 2.9
- Key Passes per 90: 2.1
- Shots per 90: 2.5
Eze’s 2.9 successful dribbles per 90 underline his status as one of the Premier League’s most potent ball carriers, while his 2.1 key passes per 90 highlight his constant threat as a chance creator. His 7 goals and 3 assists in 26 games reflect his growing ability to influence games both as a scorer and a provider.
Crucially, Glasner’s structured attacking setup doesn’t restrict Eze’s flair — instead, it channels it. His roaming movements are carefully coordinated to overload specific zones, often combining with Mitchell or Sarr to create numerical superiority on one side before Palace quickly switch play to exploit space elsewhere.
Jean-Philippe Mateta – The Target Man Reborn
Under Oliver Glasner’s stewardship, Jean-Philippe Mateta has undergone a remarkable resurgence at Crystal Palace. Previously seen as inconsistent, the towering French striker has been transformed into the central focal point of Palace’s attack — a traditional No.9 with modern mobility and sharp finishing instincts.
Mateta’s role in Glasner’s system is clear:
- Hold up the ball when Palace build through transitions or direct plays.
- Occupy central defenders, creating space for Eze and Sarr.
- Finish clinically when service arrives from wide areas or after second-ball situations.
Key Stats (2024/25 - All Competitions):
- Appearances: 30
- Goals: 13
- Assists: 2
- Shots per 90: 2.7
- Aerial Duels Won per 90: 4.3
- Expected Goals (xG): 12.5
Mateta’s 13 goals in 30 games — closely aligned with his 12.5 xG — illustrate how efficient he has become inside the box. His 2.7 shots per 90 reflect his consistent presence in dangerous areas, while his impressive 4.3 aerial duels won per 90 underscore the physical dominance he brings as a traditional target man.
At 1.92 meters tall, Mateta not only acts as a reliable outlet under pressure but also offers a direct threat from crosses, long balls, and set-pieces. His ability to pin defenders deep, create knock-downs, and finish decisively has transformed Palace’s attacking threat to new levels, allowing Glasner’s vertical, high-tempo system to flourish with greater end product.
Ismaïla Sarr – The Direct Wide Threat
In Oliver Glasner’s tactical framework, Ismaïla Sarr plays a crucial role as the wide-right forward. His speed, directness, and aggressive dribbling offer Crystal Palace a constant outlet, especially during fast transitional attacks.
Sarr’s responsibilities within Glasner’s system include:
- Pinning opposition full-backs deep, preventing them from joining attacks.
- Stretching defensive lines, creating space centrally for players like Eze and Mateta.
- Delivering early crosses or cutting inside onto his stronger left foot to shoot or combine.
Key Stats (2024/25 - All Competitions):
- Appearances: 28
- Goals: 5
- Assists: 6
- Successful Dribbles per 90: 2.4
- Key Passes per 90: 1.5
- Fouls Drawn per 90: 2.2
Sarr’s 2.4 successful dribbles per game show his value in beating defenders 1v1, while his 1.5 key passes per 90 highlight his ability to create chances from wide areas. His knack for drawing fouls (2.2 per 90) not only breaks up opposition momentum but also creates valuable set-piece opportunities for Palace.
Sarr’s threat forces defences to widen their shape, reducing their ability to crowd the central spaces where Eze operates most dangerously. His pace and unpredictability on the right flank ensure that Palace remain a multi-pronged threat, capable of punishing teams both in structured possession and in open-play counter-attacks.
Key Midfield & Defensive Anchors
While the attacking trio shines, Palace’s system depends heavily on midfield balance and defensive solidity. Players crucial to this are:
Adam Wharton – The Emerging Midfield Conductor
One of the most exciting developments under Glasner has been the rapid rise of Adam Wharton in Palace’s midfield. Signed in January 2025 from Blackburn Rovers, Wharton has slotted seamlessly into Glasner’s double-pivot system, offering a blend of technical security, vision, and calmness under pressure.
Operating typically on the left side of the midfield two, Wharton plays a crucial role in:
- Building attacks from deep, offering clean, progressive passes into advanced areas.
- Controlling the tempo, particularly in games where Palace look to dominate possession.
- Offering defensive cover, reading the game intelligently to intercept passes and regain control.
Despite being just 20 years old, Wharton’s maturity is impressive. His pass success rate (87%) is among the highest in the squad, while he averages 58 passes per game, often acting as the metronome between Palace’s defense and attack.
Key Stats (2024/25 - All Competitions):
- Appearances: 17
- Tackles per 90: 2.0
- Interceptions per 90: 1.7
- Pass Accuracy: 87%
- Progressive Passes per 90: 4.8
- Chances Created: 12
Wharton’s profile perfectly suits Glasner’s philosophy: he is a press-resistant midfielder who thinks quickly, executes play efficiently, and ensures Palace’s attacks start from a place of control rather than chaos. As he continues to adapt to Premier League intensity, Wharton looks destined to be a mainstay in the Eagles’ midfield for years to come.
Will Hughes – The Tactical Glue
Position/Role: Central Midfield (ball-winner and distributor)
While the likes of Eze and Sarr bring flair, Will Hughes provides the tactical balance that underpins Glasner’s entire system. Operating primarily as the right-sided pivot in Palace’s midfield two, Hughes acts as the first shield in front of the back three, ensuring the team maintains its defensive discipline even when committing numbers forward.
Hughes’s role under Glasner is defined by:
- Positional discipline: Protecting spaces in transition and offering immediate pressure on turnovers.
- Short, secure passing: Recycling possession quickly to reset attacks.
- Covering defensively: Plugging gaps when wing-backs push high or when Eze/Sarr vacate wide areas.
Key Stats (2024/25 - All Competitions):
- Appearances: 32
- Tackles per 90: 2.4
- Interceptions per 90: 1.9
- Pass Accuracy: 88%
- Progressive Passes per 90: 2.3
- Ball Recoveries per 90: 7.1
Hughes’s 2.4 tackles and 1.9 interceptions per game highlight his defensive sharpness, while his 88% pass completion ensures Palace rarely lose the ball cheaply after regaining it — crucial for maintaining momentum in Glasner’s possession sequences.
In Glasner’s philosophy, Hughes is the “safety valve” who allows Palace’s more expressive players like Eze and Sarr to attack with freedom. His ability to read danger, disrupt opposition transitions, and keep play ticking over quietly but efficiently is vital for the team’s balance and overall defensive resilience.
Marc Guéhi – The Defensive Leader
Position/Role: Right Centre-Back (in back three)
In Oliver Glasner’s system, Marc Guéhi has emerged as one of Crystal Palace’s most crucial figures. Anchoring the right side of the back three, Guéhi’s composure on the ball, anticipation skills, and calmness under pressure are pivotal to both Palace’s defensive solidity and their build-up play.
Guéhi’s role under Glasner focuses on:
- Sweeping up behind the midfield press: Reading opposition movements and stepping in to intercept danger early.
- Contributing to ball progression: Calmly stepping into midfield when needed to create numerical advantages.
- Maintaining a high defensive line: Enabling Palace’s wing-backs to push forward without fear of immediate exposure.
Key Stats (2024/25 - All Competitions):
- Appearances: 33
- Clearances per 90: 5.2
- Interceptions per 90: 2.3
- Tackle Success Rate: 73%
- Pass Accuracy: 89%
- Progressive Carries per 90: 1.8
Guéhi’s average of 5.2 clearances and 2.3 interceptions per 90 minutes speaks to his elite reading of the game, while his 89% pass completion ensures Palace build from the back with control rather than panic. His willingness to carry the ball forward when under minimal pressure also helps break opposition press lines and transition Palace into attack.
Importantly, Guéhi’s presence on the right side allows Glasner to push wing-backs higher without exposing the backline — a key structural feature of Palace’s success post-appointment. His combination of defensive reliability and ball-playing ability makes him arguably one of the Premier League’s most underrated centre-backs this season.
Tyrick Mitchell – Left Wing Back
While much of Crystal Palace’s attacking verve under Glasner comes from fluid movement and overloads, Tyrick Mitchell plays a vital role as the defensive balance point at left wing-back. His positioning and defensive reliability provide the necessary foundation that allows Palace’s attacking players to thrive without leaving the team vulnerable during transitions.
Mitchell’s role in Glasner’s system emphasises:
- Staying more reserved when the opposite wing-back (Muñoz) attacks, maintaining defensive structure.
- 1v1 defensive solidity: Neutralizing the opposition’s right-wing threats.
- Supporting buildup with safe, short passing to reset possession when needed.
Key Stats (2024/25 - All Competitions):
- Appearances: 36
- Tackles per 90: 2.6
- Interceptions per 90: 1.8
- Clearances per 90: 3.4
- Pass Accuracy: 85%
- Duels Won per 90: 5.1
Mitchell’s 2.6 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per game highlight his excellence in individual duels, while his 85% pass completion underscores his reliability when helping Palace maintain possession. His average of 5.1 duels won per match illustrates just how crucial he is in stopping counters before they develop.
Importantly, Mitchell’s positional intelligence allows Eberechi Eze — often drifting into the left half-space — the freedom to express himself offensively, confident that defensive coverage is behind him. In a system that demands calculated risk-taking, Mitchell serves as one of Glasner’s key structural safeguards, ensuring balance without blunting Palace’s overall aggression.
Daniel Muñoz – The Aggressive Right-Wing back
January signing Daniel Muñoz has been one of the most important tactical upgrades in Crystal Palace’s new system under Glasner. Operating as the right wing-back, Muñoz injects relentless energy, verticality, and directness into Palace’s attacking patterns — providing the perfect counterpart to Tyrick Mitchell’s more reserved role on the left.
Muñoz’s contributions focus on:
- Overlapping aggressively beyond Ismaïla Sarr to stretch opposition defenses wide.
- Delivering early crosses or cutbacks into the penalty area.
- Making third-man runs behind defenses, particularly when the midfield draws defenders inside.
Key Stats (2024/25 - All Competitions):
- Appearances: 20 (since January signing)
- Assists: 3
- Key Passes per 90: 1.2
- Crosses Completed per 90: 2.0
- Tackles per 90: 1.9
- Dribbles Completed per 90: 1.1
Muñoz’s 1.2 key passes and 2 completed crosses per game demonstrate just how critical he is in feeding Palace’s front line, while his 1.9 tackles per 90 show he’s no liability defensively — fitting Glasner’s demand for aggressive wing-backs who can defend and attack seamlessly.
Muñoz’s presence ensures Palace’s attack maintains its stretched, multi-dimensional shape, making it much harder for opponents to bottle them up defensively.
Palace’s Bright Future Under Glasner
Oliver Glasner’s impact on Crystal Palace has been transformative. His tactical clarity, ability to maximise existing talents, and focus on vertical, structured football have rejuvenated the club. With players like Eze, Mateta, and Sarr thriving, and midfield and defensive pillars like Hughes and Guéhi underpinning the system, Palace are no longer a side content with mid-table mediocrity.
Instead, they are evolving into a cohesive, intelligent, and dangerous team — capable of taking points off anyone in the Premier League.
If Glasner is backed further in the summer market, especially with depth in midfield and an additional ball-playing centre-back, Crystal Palace could well be one of the Premier League’s breakout stories heading into 2025/26.
