You know, I’m sitting here thinking about our game tonight and it just feels different. Not just any match, but a real chance for some of our youngest lads to step out there at Selhurst. Oliver Glasner said it plain – none of the starters tonight will play against Leeds this weekend. He’s turning to the academy, and I think that’s brave.
A whole bunch of the youth team have been training with us this week, getting ready for KuPS coming from Finland. We do need a win, to be fair, to help us get through the group easier. But the manager’s putting his trust in the kids, and some of the lads who don’t always get a minute. It’s exciting, that.
Names like Dean Benamar and Benji Casey, George King too. Mofe Jemide, Kaden Rodney, Joel Drakes-Thomas. There’s even a 15-year-old keeper, Lucca Benetton, training with the seniors. It’s a big night for them. I want to talk about three who might really do something.
Benji Casey is only 17, but my word he scores goals. Fifteen already for the youth teams this season in just twenty games. He got a tiny taste of senior football last time in Europe against Shelbourne. With Mateta needing a rest, Benji might get more time. He told me earlier this week how he watches Eddie Nketiah finish in training. “He’s very good, a great poacher,” Benji said. “Uche too. They are all great players to work with and look at.” Benji’s always looking to run behind, and he knows where the goal is. Eddie will probably start, but I’ve a feeling Benji will come on and make a moment.
Then there’s Joel Drakes-Thomas. Sixteen years old, and if he plays, he becomes the youngest Englishman ever in this competition. Just beats Chelsea’s record. The club thinks the world of him. He used to be an attacking midfielder, but now they’ve got him playing right wing-back. Glasner even called him a natural at it. With Munoz injured and Clyne getting back to fitness, Joel could get real minutes. He was on the bench last time. They’re showing him a path to the first team, and you can see why.
Kaden Rodney feels almost like a veteran compared, though he’s only 21. Been around the first team since Vieira gave him a debut back in 2022. He’s played nearly eighty times for the U21s – that’s a club record. He can play left-back, but mostly he’s in midfield now. Can do a job at centre-back or right-back too, really. With Kamada out hurt, we’re short in the middle. Kaden is just so tidy, so reliable. In a team full of kids tonight, his experience will be quiet important.
So yeah, tonight isn’t only about the points, though winning would be brilliant. It’s about something bigger for the club’s future. Glasner is thinking ahead, protecting the league players, and giving these boys a proper stage. The crowd will be up for it, wanting a win, but I think they’ll also feel that buzz – seeing the next generation get their chance to fly.
