Steve Parish has now shared what people warned him about Adam Wharton before Crystal Palace signed the England international.
The £22m January deal has proven to be a seismic success, with the 20-year-old already making Gareth Southgate’s England squad for UEFA EURO 2024 after just 16 Premier League appearances.
However, there was one thing “naysayers” were warning Steve Parish about Adam Wharton before Crystal Palace signed the playmaker from Blackburn…
What people warned Steve Parish about Adam Wharton
A feature now released from The Times shares some interesting anecdotes about the Blackburn-born maestro.
Towards the end of the article are some quotes from Parish, who reveals that “naysayers” told him Wharton “can’t run” when deciding whether to bring the youngster to Selhurst Park.
Thankfully, the 58-year-old did not listen.
Wharton may not be the most mobile midfielder, but he simply doesn’t need to be.
The Crystal Palace No.20 possesses such strong footballing intelligence that he seems to always be one – or even two – steps ahead of the opposition.
As Andrea Pirlo once famously said: “Football is played with the head. Your feet are just tools.”
If you think about the game as much as Wharton evidently does, simply running past opponents becomes obsolete.
While his lack of pace may see him lose out in a footrace or two next season, this footballing IQ should ensure the Crystal Palace maestro has a lengthy career, as he is not reliant on his physical attributes to carry him.
Crystal Palace have a perfect midfield duo waiting in the wings
Wharton may not be the quickest across the ground, although Cheick Doucoure is.
The Mali international is a different type of mobile, excelling when carrying the ball through spaces and driving forward with power, rather than displaying any sort of blistering speed.
READ MORE: Paul Merson shares why he thinks Crystal Palace No.6 Marc Guehi could struggle to shine for England
As shown on FBRef, Doucoure ranks highly when it comes to successful take-ons, so his adventurous nature in the middle of the park should compliment Wharton’s more measured, controlled approach well.
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