Man City and Crystal Palace played out a thrilling first half at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Oliver Glasner’s side have been in excellent form in recent weeks and continued that within the opening 25 against Man City as the Eagles stormed into a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Eberechi Eze and Chris Richards.
However, the London club would somehow be hanging on at the end of the first half as Man City stormed back to level that game at 2-2 before the break with Kevin De Bruyne looking like he is on a mission.
Despite the Belgian’s impressive display, another midfielder stood out at the Etihad Stadium, showing why Pep Guardiola was right to praise him ahead of the contest.
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Adam Wharton stars for Crystal Palace vs Man City
Alan Shearer noticed that Man City’s team for their clash with Crystal Palace was too narrow and that was something the Eagles took advantage of in the first half, evident in the first goal of the game.
Nevertheless, Adam Wharton had the time he needed in the middle of the park to influence the game and the Englishman impressed when he got hold of the ball at the Etihad.
The 21-year-old would finish the first half with 100 per cent pass and cross accuracy, a 100 per cent long ball success rate, he created one big chance, and produced an assist for Richards’ goal.
Wharton arrived at Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers last January and continues to impress in the Premier League.
With Man City on the lookout for De Bruyne replacements, the Englishman could be an option as the 21-year-old can also play as a number eight, as well as in his preferred six position.
Guardiola showed ahead of Man City’s match with Crystal Palace that he is a fan of the midfielder and that may lead to speculation ahead of the summer transfer window.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola heaps praise on Adam Wharton
Stephen Warnock urged Liverpool to sign Wharton last summer and this is unlikely to be the last time the Englishman will be tipped to join a bigger club than Crystal Palace.
The 21-year-old could be an option for Man City ahead of next season as Guardiola described the midfielder as “excellent’ ahead of Saturday’s game.
“An excellent holding midfielder. He was in the national team already,” the Man City boss said via TNT Sports.
“The impact has been really good, coming from the Championship to the Premier League, brilliant left foot, a really good player.”
Wharton is set for big things in the Premier League and will continue to be on the radar of England’s ‘Big Six’. The 21-year-old is certainly happy at Crystal Palace for the time being, but it remains to be seen what levels the youngster can reach.
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