Joel Ward makes big claim about current Crystal Palace squad
Crystal Palace right-back Joel Ward believes that this season’s squad is “the strongest it’s ever been” during his time with the club.
The Eagles have secured their 10th consecutive season in the top flight and have the chance to record their second top-10 finish in Premier League history. They also reached the FA Cup semi-final in Patrick Vieira’s first campaign in charge.
Wilfried Zaha has recorded the highest goal tally in his career – 14 in all competitions – this season.
Michael Olise has notched up 12 goal contributions in all competitions in his debut season for the South Londoners after joining from Reading in the summer.
Conor Gallagher won full England honours during his season-long loan, and Marc Guehi and Tyrick Mitchell have also picked up their first caps for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions this season.
“The success that we’ve had this season shows that the club and the squad is probably the strongest it’s ever been, the depth of the squad as well,” said Ward after the end of season awards in Croydon.
“The style in which we play is a complete contrast to what we have learned over the years, and the vision and the ambition of the club is moving in the right direction.”
Ward, who will reach his 10-year anniversary with the Eagles later this month after joining Portsmouth in 2012 for £400,000, collected the Moment of the Season award for the FA Cup run, which saw Palace exit the competition after a 2-0 loss to Chelsea at Wembley.
“It’s special, and it’s no small feat to get to where we got to,” explained Ward.
“We had to play a lot of games and tricky games along the journey. But you have to take it in and soak it up because not many people get that far. Not many people get the opportunity to walk out at Wembley.
“For some of the younger players, it was their first time. For some of the older players, it could be their first time but also their last time, so it’s always special. You’ve got to really soak in those moments throughout your career so you can look back on it and enjoy it.
“We all know what the weight and the importance can bring in the FA Cup, especially what it brings to the team and to a club. You see the highs, the lows and the upsets.
“Unfortunately, this year, we couldn’t quite get all the way [to the final] like in 2016, but I’m sure many more times [such as this] will come in the future.”
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