‘Absolutely phenomenal’ – BBC pundit stunned by Crystal Palace player’s ‘stats’ vs Fulham
Adam Wharton delivered a stunning performance against Fulham on Sunday, as Crystal Palace emerged victorious late on.
Palace beat Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage, with Marc Guehi scoring an 87th-minute winner to hand the Eagles three points in the London derby.
Eddie Nketiah had finished well to hand Oliver Glasner‘s side the lead in the first half, but they were quickly pegged back when Harry Wilson struck a stunning shot with the outside of his boot.
Wharton impressed against Manchester United at the end of November, and has enjoyed another strong start to the season.
Tuchel is weighing his options to start alongside Declan Rice for England at next year’s World Cup, with Wharton making a good case.
Shay Given raves about Adam Wharton
Wharton was in impressive form against Fulham on Sunday, grabbing an assist and making several key defensive contributions.
The midfielder completed all but two of his passes, and was a constant presence in the midfield for the visitors.
| Adam Wharton | vs Fulham |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Chances created (big) | 2(1) |
| Tackles | 2 |
| Interceptions | 3 |
| Recoveries | 7 |
The 21-year-old made his debut for England last year under Gareth Southgate, but had to wait until November of this year to receive his second cap.
Tuchel handed Wharton his first start against Albania last month, and looks set to include the former Blackburn Rovers man in his squad going forward.
Speaking about the 21-year-old on BBC Match of the Day on Sunday, Shay Given said: “He kind of strikes me a player that you don’t have to overly coach.
“He understands the position. He sometimes stands still, and the game runs around him and he knows the pass before it even comes to him.
“Look at the stats from today, absolutely phenomenal. He knows what he’s going to do with the ball before it arrives and that’s because his brain’s working a step ahead of the players around him.”
“For me, he’s one of the most gifted midfielders in the Premier League,” Given added.
Elliot Anderson set for England face-off against Wharton
Manchester City have set their sights on a move for Elliot Anderson, such has the midfielder impressed this season.
The 23-year-old signed for Nottingham Forest from Newcastle United last year, and has come on leaps and bounds in the last 12 months.
No player in the Premier League has won more duels (116) than Anderson, who also caught Tuchel’s eye with his consistent performances.
The midfielder received his first cap in September, and has started in five of the six games he has been selected for since.
In just two months, Anderson appears to have gone from a player dreaming about going to the World Cup to a player looking like a certain starter there.
Wharton has a serious battle on his hands if he is to change that, although injuries could always have their say.