Record signing coming into form
Palace’s depth a huge advantage
Strand Larsen compared to Harry Kane
Jorgen Strand Larsen signed for Crystal Palace in January, in a deal worth up to £48 million, a club-record outlay for the South London side. With that move comes pressure, expectation and in some aspects a lack of patience.
Whilst his start to life at Palace has been strong, the Norwegian striker has received criticism, and fighting for a single place in the starting eleven with Jean-Phillipe Mateta hasn’t made the move as smooth as it could have been.
Just three goals in his first 14 games for the Eagles, including a brace on his home debut in a 3-2 defeat to Burnley, Strand Larsen’s last goal came back in March.
Super Sub at Shakhtar
The fourth goal of his Palace career however, may well prove to be the one that carries the most importance, the late dagger to Shakhtar hearts as he put Palace 3-1 up in the first leg of their Europa Conference League semi final.
Substituted onto the pitch on 65 minutes, on 84, Strand Larsen cleared the ball over his head to deny a Shakhtar attack, and found Daichi Kamada, who had reestablished the Eagle’s lead just prior to the striker’s introduction.
A 60 yard sprint off the ball was found by a perfectly weighted Kamada through ball, and Strand Larsen cut inside of the sliding defender before cooly chipping the ball over Dmytro Riznyk. Not only a superb confidence booster for the striker, but what could be a goal of monumental significance for Palace in this semi final tie.
Former Tottenham and England midfielder Glenn Hoddle was keen to stress that he didn’t think the tie was over just yet, but heaped praise on Strand Larsen’s finish.
“We were not sure if he had had a touch and that is what is impressive, the calmness and then to dink it into the corner… if that was Harry Kane scoring that goal we would all be saying ‘wow, what a beautiful goal’.”
Competitive depth a plus for Palace
Whilst Strand Larsen appreciated the fact that in Mateta, he is up against another top player for starting minutes, the current attacking depth afforded to Glasner is only a positive.
Not only in the No.9 position, but all across the front line, there is quality in depth, and that naturally is pushing the levels of each player higher.
Ismaila Sarr has been devastating for Palace this season, and went joint level with Marius Mouandilmadji and Mikael Ishak in this season’s Conference League golden boot race, all three forwards on eight goals. Of course, the Palace’s main man will be aiming to claim top spot for himself, and could have two more games to do so should Palace progress to the final on Thursday.
Brennan Johnson’s start to life at Palace hasn’t been particularly encouraging, but it has certainly pushed the level of Yeremy Pino, who has begun to flourish and grow in confidence.
With all eggs in the European basket now, Palace will be able to afford valuable minutes to all of their forwards across the remainder of the Premier League campaign, and for Strand Larsen, his price tag will be pushed aside should that goal prove to be the decisive one in this semi final.