It’s an exciting time to be a Crystal Palace fan. The club’s ambition off the pitch is being matched by some encouraging results and performances on the field of play.
Last week was as about as good as Eagles supporters have had it for many years. The official opening of their new Category 1 Academy and state-of-the-art facilities was followed up by a victory over reigning Premier League champions Manchester City in their own backyard.
At the unveiling of the new youth facilities, chairman Steve Parish outlined the transformative effect that he hopes the upgraded setup will have on the south London club.
He said: “The new Academy will have a transformative effect on the future of the football club and the local community, not only enabling us to attract and retain the best players in one of England’s richest footballing areas but also to help scores of young people and local schools enjoy the facilities.”
With the likes of Wilfried Zaha, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrick Mitchell paving the way for Palace’s future stars, it appears as though the coming years are set to mark a new chapter in the Eagles’ history.
One player who become a household name in years to come is striker Robert Street. The 20-year-old has risen through the ranks at his boyhood club and is currently enjoying a stellar campaign for the under-23s.
In 12 appearances for Shaun Derry’s charges, Street has bagged an impressive seven goals and provided one assist, with his eye-catching displays earning him a place on the bench for two Premier League encounters.
Palace’s official website describes the youngster as a “talented” forward, and he’s certainly someone who should generate plenty of excitement among the fans.
“A combative attacker in the Palace ranks, Street followed the lead of fellow young hotshot and former Palace forward James Daly by progressing through the Under-18s to sample Development football,” Street’s description reads.
“The talented frontman was rewarded for his efforts with a professional contract in summer 2020 and followed this with a loan move to Torquay United in January 2021.
“After his return to the Under-23s side, he scored a crucial goal in the play-off victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers to send Palace within touching distance of promotion.”
Only time will tell if Street has the quality and desire to make the step up to Vieira’s first team squad on a regular basis, but the signs are encouraging for Palace’s latest attacking talent.
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