One Crystal Palace star has become a vital part of Oliver Glasner’s squad due to his versatility, with his statistics now showing that he is one of the Premier League’s best.
It’s been a difficult season for Crystal Palace, who sit five points above the relegation zone with just seven games left to play.
Oliver Glasner will remain hopeful that his side can find some form before the end of the 2023/24 calendar, being yet to secure consecutive wins in the Premier League to portray their inability to build momentum.
With greater challenges yet to come, it will be hoped that the Austrian can end what has been a dreary season on a high ahead of the summer.
It’s braced to be a summer of change at Selhurst with reports already suggesting that the boss wishes to change the demographic of the squad slightly however, one player’s stance in the side is unlikely to change given his recent displays.
The Crystal Palace star who is in the top 2% of Premier League players for one thing
While the likes of Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise rise to the top in terms of the best players currently at Palace, another one of Glasner’s XI has proven himself as one of the Premier League’s best in one area.
Since signing for the Eagles from Bournemouth in the summer, Jefferson Lerma has become a vital part of Palace’s squad, particularly under Glasner where he has been particularly useful in recent weeks.
Aside from being a reliable presence in the midfield, Lerma brought with him Premier League experience, which is recognised by him being well-equipped to play as a holding midfielder at the top level.
As per FBref, the 29-year-old ranks in the top 2% of midfielders in the Premier League when it comes to his impressive average of 2.55 aerial duel wins per 90 this season.
The statistic not only shows how strong Lerma is in the air in such a pivotal area of the pitch for the Eagles but comes as a great help to Glasner considering how vital his defensive strengths have become of late.
Why Jefferson Lerma is so important to Oliver Glasner
With Marc Guehi, Rob Holding and now Chris Richards missing through injury, the manager has been forced to utilise Lerma as a centre-back, asking the Colombian to step away from his usual role in the midfield.
Having transferable skills in the defensive aspects of his game has come as a relief for Glasner, who has been able to rely on the former Bournemouth ace at a time of need.
Not only has Lerma been one of Palace’s shining lights this term, but has instated himself as one of the best Premier League players in the air this season, as portrayed by his stellar per-90 average.
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