Crystal Palace’s transformation under manager Oliver Glasner has been impressive, but one player has particularly improved in form and stature since February: Will Hughes.
Last season, his impressive performances under Glasner caused concern about his contract status, with Hughes’s deal due to run out in the summer. But after starting six consecutive matches alongside Adam Wharton as the season drew to a close, he triggered a 12-month extension.
His contract is due to expire next summer and no further deal has arrived — after performing consistently well since his arrival from Watford in 2021, particularly in recent games, it seems inconceivable that Palace will allow the 29-year-old to leave this summer. They will surely seek to tie him down to fresh terms and that is likely to come significantly earlier than when his extension was triggered last season, though no talks have yet taken place.
For his part, he does not want to move on. He is content at the club and would be open to staying. He has established himself as an experienced, reliable option who organises and communicates well on the pitch as well as contributing with the ball.
Hughes has become an integral part of Glasner’s squad. He is adept at breaking up play, recycling possession and has demonstrated he can produce incisive passes in the final third when given the opportunity to play higher up the pitch.
For a period under Patrick Vieira, his lack of minutes became baffling and bewildering for Palace supporters. Vieira’s decision to overlook him when his midfield was not working exacerbated that confusion. Others were chosen ahead of Hughes in his position despite their poor form.
The same could have been true now. Wharton and Cheick Doucoure would likely be the starting pair in midfield but Wharton is recovering from groin surgery and Doucoure has barely played since rupturing his Achilles in last November’s 2-1 defeat by Luton Town — he is tentatively making his way back in.
With those injuries to Wharton and Doucoure, Hughes was given a chance and took it, establishing himself as undroppable. That tenacity in midfield, challenging opponents and breaking up attacks, has been invaluable. His energy and all-action style exemplify what Glasner demands from his players. He is always committed.
That upturn in fortunes is likely to be a consequence of playing regularly, the manager’s belief in him and the system being suited to his style.
Occasionally that commitment can be problematic. An inevitable consequence of his role is that he collects yellow cards. A one-match ban caused by his fifth Premier League booking of the season saw Hughes miss the 2-0 defeat against Fulham in November. His presence was missed.
In September’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea, he was exposed by the opposition’s speed on the transition, receiving a yellow card for a tactical foul on Nicolas Jackson to prevent a counter-attack. After several more fouls, Glasner opted to withdraw him at half-time to avoid the risk of a red card.
Still, Palace are aware of his weaker elements and can mitigate them.
Hughes’ passing has improved under Glasner. For example, the through ball for Palace’s opening goal against Manchester City on Saturday was perfect, splitting the defence and allowing Daniel Munoz to shoot past Stefan Ortega. His performance was excellent, demonstrating his all-round ability. The way he covers ground is illustrated in his touch maps below.
“We knew we could play at a higher intensity, the data showed this,” Glasner said when responding to a question about Hughes in his post-match press conference.
Glasner values energy, which Hughes provides when fit and sharp. Of his 13 appearances this season, eight have been starts. He is thriving as a senior member of the team and his laid-back, good-humoured personality helps him stand out as one of the dressing room’s leaders — a role he is happy to embrace.
He has the potential to be a cult hero at Palace, not too dissimilar to James McArthur, for whom he was signed to be a long-term replacement, even if their styles are not identical.
Hughes began his professional career as a 16-year-old attacking midfielder with Derby County in the Championship but has primarily played as a tough-tackling, tenacious holding midfielder who can still contribute to attacks. His technical ability still shines through and against City, his corner led to Maxence Lacroix’s goal. That game took his assist count at Palace from three to five.
Goals have not flowed (two in 99 games) but he has emerged as a serious option in the middle for Palace, someone who will help engage the crowd and boost the atmosphere with his crunching tackles and determination to drive forwards with the ball.
He is the biggest beneficiary of Glasner’s arrival. His dependability has been crucial and his renaissance has come at the perfect time for Palace.
(Top photo: Alex Pantling via Getty Images)
