Is there a future for Jonny Williams at Palace?

 

Jonny Williams (24) has been at Palace since 2011 playing his youth career as an Eagle, 2011 onward Williams has been loaned out by various Palace managers to gain more experience. Ipswich, Nottingham Forest, MK Dons and Sunderland have all had Williams on season long loans. But how does he preform? Last season Williams was loaned to Championship team Sunderland despite being rock bottom of the second division and relegated the team still preformed. Williams joined The Black Cats in August 2017 where the new Sunderland manager Chris Coleman picked him up. Chris Coleman was also the Wales managed who Jonny played a major part in their success and the team made it through to the Euro 2016 semi-final where they lost 2-0 to Portugal who went on to win the competition. Williams only made 12 appearances under Coleman at Sunderland and scored 1 against Middlesbrough in a 3-3 draw. Williams was named The Black Cats’ best creative player but after suffering a shoulder injury his season became to an end.

Jonny Williams showing appreciation to the fans at Oxford United

Crystal Palace now unbeaten in 6 pre-season games face French Ligue 1 side Toulouse this Saturday. Can Palace make it 7/7? Will Hodgeson play Williams? Jonny Williams spoke to the press about the win against League One Oxford United 2 weeks ago where he got himself a goal. He said “It is always nice to be out there in a Palace shirt and I felt fine”. Williams also scored the only goal in last night’s pre-season that saw Palace XI beat National League team Boreham Wood.

Jonny Williams celebrates after scoring verses Boreham Wood

Jonny Williams is looking sharp in pre-season and playing in the Eagles four-man midfield. Already scoring 2 goals in pre-season could this be a Premier League season for Jonny Williams? Or will Roy Hodgson loan him out like previous managers? Injury has been a major let down to Williams in recent seasons and Palace fans are eager to see ‘Joniesta’ as they call him, play in the Premier League. Not many attacking midfielders or centre attacking midfielders lie in the Palace squad. Captain Jason Puncheon could be Jonny’ only fight for position this season depending on Roy’s formation.

 

 

Jamie Smith