This Un-Sung Hero Is Driving Crystal Palace's Astonishing Season

Crystal Palace's Unsung Hero

Crystal Palace's start to the season has shocked many fans around the world, with the club currently sitting 5th in the Premier League, while also finding themselves in the Quarter-Final of the Carabao Cup. While a lot of Palace's success was pinned on Ebere Eze last year and Mateta and Wharton this year, there has been one standout midfielder who has not received the praise he deserves from opposing fans. Daichi Kamada has been phenomenal in the midfield this season, complementing Wharton perfectly.

The Japan international has really impressed this season, which would have come as a shock after the first half of last season at a time when he really struggled to adapt to the Premier League. But this rapid improvement won't have surprised Kamada or Glasner, with the pair winning the Europa League for Frankfurt back in 2022.

🗣️ 🇯🇵 Glasner on Kamada’s injury: “I said to him, joking, ‘Daichi, you have no muscle, you can’t have a muscle injury.’

It looks like we will miss him for a few weeks, but I think he did well, very well.” @tabuteauS pic.twitter.com/DHgsoKZK8x

— Palace Report (@PalaceReport) December 14, 2025

When Kamada joined Crystal Palace, the reaction amongst punters was calm rather than excited. He was known as a smart, technical midfielder with experience in Germany and European competitions, rather than as a flashy superstar. For many fans, he felt like a sensible signing rather than a statement one.

As the season has progressed, however, it has become clear that Kamada’s intelligence and consistency would be key for Palace. Towards the end of last season, we finally saw flashes of what he could do, with outstanding performances throughout the latter stages of the FA Cup, which Palace went on to win.

What Has Changed in Kamada's Game?

Daichi Kamada’s improvement this season has not come from a sudden burst of talent, but from subtle changes in how he plays. The biggest shift has been his clarity. Earlier in his Palace career, Kamada sometimes looked caught between roles, unsure whether to push forward or sit deeper. Now, his responsibilities are clearly defined, and that confidence shows in every performance.

He has established himself as a deeper operator, who focuses on ball retention and progressiveness. One criticism of Kamada's game last season was his inability to move the ball forward quickly enough; there would often be an extra touch or a moment of hesitation that inevitably held him back.

But this season it's different; he looks to have picked up some of Adam Wharton's game, often finding that killer pass now and moving the ball in one or two touches.

Kamada is so underrated

Runs and runs, so alert to danger, excellent at tracking things around him

— Alex (@alexmoneypenny) December 14, 2025

This improvement and ability saw Kamada become something of a fan favourite, picking up September and October's Player of the Month awards for the club. His defensive contribution has also improved - Kamada presses with greater discipline, choosing the right moments to close down opponents instead of chasing the ball.

This has helped Palace stay compact and organised. He reads danger earlier, which means he often stops attacks before they fully develop. That awareness has made him far more effective without needing to be aggressive.

Confidence has played a key role. Kamada looks comfortable in the Premier League now. He trusts his decision-making and plays with calm authority. The result is a player who may not dominate headlines, but consistently raises the level of the team. What changed in Kamada’s game is not his ability, but how well he now uses it.

What are Crystal Palace's Aims for the Season?

Crystal Palace's aims for this season have evolved as results and performances have improved. What began as a campaign focused on stability has quickly turned into one built on ambition. Palace are no longer simply looking over their shoulder at the relegation zone; instead, they are setting targets that reflect a growing confidence within the squad and around the club.

Sitting in 5th while still in the Carabao Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Conference League. Palace will be looking to get their hands on more silverware after a taste of it last year. Oliver Glanser's side picked up the FA Cup and Community Shield at the back end of last season.

Daichi Kamada you are a truly ridiculous midfielder my friend

— Oli ★ (@cocainsocialist) December 14, 2025

Another key objective is a comfortable league finish. Palace is aiming for a European finish, allowing the team to play with freedom but a healthy bit of pressure and expectations. A top-seven finish would represent clear progress and confirm that the club is moving in the right direction. It would also give the manager greater opportunities to bring in players who elevate the squad.

Development is another major part of Palace’s long-term vision. The club wants to continue improving young talents while blending them with experienced individuals. Giving minutes to emerging players, helping them grow in confidence, and integrating them into a clear tactical system is seen as just as important as league position.