Crystal Palace’s Colombian dynamo Daniel Muñoz marked his 100th appearance for the club away at Anfield. In typical fashion, it was a hectic afternoon and performance from the flying wing-back, who scored and was at the heart of heavy criticism from Liverpool fans.
Muñoz’s time at Palace has been somewhat revelationary for the club, improving the output from defence which was never really there before. His profile and ability has been the perfect match for Oliver Glasner’s system.
Cementing himself almost immediately as a true cult hero, that status is now undeniable, and Palace have been fortunate to see the very best of Muñoz’s career play out in South London.
A bargain signing, but a monumental impact
Muñoz was signed for just £6.6 million in January of 2024, after four strong campaigns in Belgium with KRC Genk. The 29-year-old has been superb for Palace, and has epitomised everything positive about the club in recent campaigns.
In his first season with the club, Muñoz recorded four assists in the 16 Premier League games he played in the second half of the 2023/24 campaign. Since then, a further eleven goals and ten assists have been added to his tally, proving to be an excellent return on such a small investment.
Muñoz scored Palace’s first ever goal in a European competition, heading in the opener in the Lublin as Palace beat Dynamo Kyiv 2-0 on the first matchday of the Europa Conference League campaign.
His performances have been a huge part of Palace’s success in recent seasons, bombarding down the right flank and creating chances for his teammates consistently, whilst also putting up consistently impressive defensive displays.
His ‘superhuman’ recovery has seen him overcome injuries to return in staggering time, even attempting to play on whilst his shoulder was dislocated earlier this season.
Muñoz has also proven to be a key figure for Colombia, and has seen equally impressive return in his national games.
Become a club legend, or seek a further move
Muñoz has in the past expressed his ambition and desire to move on from Palace and progress to a bigger side. However, at 29-years-old, his career is at a huge point in terms of decision making.
There is no doubt that if he were to stay at Palace he would go down as a true club great. However, there is also no doubt that a move to a consistent Champions League club would not only be just reward for his consistency, but a chance for himself to end his career at the very top of the game.
His status as a cult hero at Palace has, in my opinion, been well cemented, and he will always be remembered fondly in years to come.
As a fan, I’d want Muñoz to remain at the club and continue to earn that success in South London, however I would not begrudge him should a dream move be offered this Summer.