Glasner’s Revolution: Why Crystal Palace should aim for a European finish next season
Since Oliver Glaser’s appointment from Eintract Frankfurt, Crystal Palace are 9th in the form table after 10 games. With tough fixtures such as Spurs and Liverpool away, Glasner has had an impressive start to life in the Premier League. In this thread, I will analyse Glasner’s tactical approach and why I believe Crystal Palace should aim to finish in a European spot next season.

Using the 5-2 demolition of West Ham United as a reference, Glasner sets his side up starting in a 3-4-2-1/3-4-3 shape out of possession which forms a 3-2-5 in possession during attacking play. When building up from deep, Glasner has the defensive line of 3 work with the goalkeeper to progress the ball up the pitch, with the two central midfielders sitting deeper to offer an option. This structure creates wide and central overloads resulting in lots of options for progression and combination play for Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze.

With Olise and Eze being such great technicians in tight half spaces, the duo move inside which allows them to be targets for progression. This allows them to receive the ball on the half-turn creating dangerous situations from there.

It became much clearer when Crystal Palace transitioned into their 3-2-5 shape where the wingback pair of Mitchell and Munoz often held the width. The back 3 and double pivot of Hughes and Wharton are responsible for finding Eze and Olise in half spaces in between the lines. These two are the real difference makers in attack and have the ability to create chance out of thin air due to their control and technical ability.

Out of possession, Crystal Palace tend to counter-press with a hybrid approach whilst transitioning into a 5-2-3 mid block. Glasner places the emphasis on counter-pressing and zonal marking from his time under the Red Bull philosophy.

The appointment of Glasner has benefitted many of the Palace players but none more than midfield star Adam Wharton. The Englishmen has excelled and is enjoying an excellent run of form since his arrival from Blackburn Rovers for £22 million. Wharton fits Glazer’s system to a tee as a high volume and technically proficient passer. In possession, Wharton is given license to roam from deep, weaving away from danger and emphatically shows his press resistance navigating situations intelligently.

The concern for Crystal Palace fans this season will be keeping their stars to push on next season. Top clubs all across Europe will be sniffing around Olise, Eze, Guehi and now Wharton. It is imperative that the South London club hold on to these players for at least another season in order to build something very special.

Glasner will not rest on his laurels and take his impressive start for granted and will look to mould his squad to be more streamlined and competitive for the 24/25 season. With a few stalwarts needing to be moved on, Glasner should target a new RCB, backup ST to help Mateta and another attacking option to ease the load of Olise and Eze.

If Glasner and Palace are able to get their recruitment right this summer, I believe Crystal Palace should target an impressive finish in the European places.
Where do you think Crystal Palace can finish next season?

🧵End of thread! Thanks for reading, any likes, comments and retweets are greatly appreciated!
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