Why Wharton Is Already One Of The Premier League’s Most Complete Young Midfielders

‎For all the boxes Adam Wharton has ticked since arriving at Crystal Palace in January last year, there is one notable omission a goal.

‎Wharton’s ascent has been rapid. Within just four months of joining Palace, his performances were strong enough to earn him a place in England’s Euro 2024 squad.

‎It was a stunning achievement for a 20-year-old adapting to life in the Premier League. Yet the tournament itself proved frustrating.

‎After making his senior England debut in a pre-tournament friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Wharton did not play a single minute at the Euros.

‎His England journey did not truly resume until last month, when he won his second cap. That call-up came on the back of one of the defining performances of his young career a commanding display in Crystal Palace’s FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.

‎Ironically, City are among Wharton’s many admirers and will be the opposition at Selhurst Park this weekend.

‎Despite these milestones, Palace supporters are still waiting for a more personal celebration the sight of Wharton’s trademark backflip, perfected years ago on a trampoline in his parents’ back garden in Blackburn.

‎From Blackburn Roots to Premier League

‎Wharton’s story begins in his hometown. He joined Blackburn Rovers’ academy at the age of six and spent more than a decade developing there.

‎His acrobatic streak first caught the eye when he scored his maiden senior goal for Blackburn against Birmingham City, celebrating spectacularly.

‎In total, he found the net four times in 44 appearances for the Lancashire club, enough to hint at a midfielder comfortable arriving late in the box.

‎Since his £18m move to Palace, however, goals have been elusive. The upcoming clash with Manchester City will mark his 50th appearance for the club, and while the backflip celebration remains unused in south London, there have been signs that his first Palace goal is edging closer.

‎Wharton himself remains relaxed about it.

‎“If I don’t get assists or goals but I know I’ve played well, then I’m not too fussed,” he said recently.

‎“But I might score and have a terrible game.”

‎That quote neatly captures his mindset. Wharton is not driven by headlines or highlight reels. His game is about control, intelligence, and consistency qualities that have become increasingly rare and valuable in modern midfielders.

‎Reinvention in Midfield

‎Originally developed as a No. 10 in Blackburn’s academy, Wharton has flourished since being repositioned into a deeper midfield role.

‎It is here that his most striking qualities come to the fore. His understanding of space, his ability to read the tempo of a match, and his confidence in possession set him apart.

‎He plays with quiet authority, always scanning, always looking to play forward. Crucially, he is not afraid of risk. Wharton will attempt progressive passes even if they occasionally go astray, a trait that sometimes draws a rebuke from manager Oliver Glasner but one that underlines his self-belief.

‎That confidence has never tipped into arrogance. Even Wharton’s father once described him, perhaps a little harshly, as “a bit of a loner,” but on the pitch he leads through clarity of thought rather than volume.

‎Glasner’s Influence and Physical Setbacks

‎Oliver Glasner’s arrival at Palace has been pivotal. The Austrian replaced Roy Hodgson just two weeks after Wharton signed, and his guidance has played a significant role in shaping the midfielder’s development.

‎Glasner has been careful to manage expectations, particularly given the disruptions Wharton has faced.

‎Last season was stop-start. After five months adjusting to Premier League football, Wharton went to the Euros, then struggled with injuries, including groin surgery that ruled him out for three months.

‎As Glasner recently pointed out, Wharton played only around 40% of the available minutes last season.

‎This campaign, by contrast, represents his first full Premier League season and his first proper pre-season at Palace. The difference is clear. He looks sharper, stronger, and more assured, as shown in last weekend’s win over Fulham, where he set up Eddie Nketiah for the opening goal.

‎Glasner remains convinced there is more to come. He believes Wharton’s improvement is tied to rhythm training regularly, playing consistently, and staying fit.

‎For a young player still adapting to the demands of elite football, that continuity is vital.

‎England’s Ambitions and World Cup Dreams

‎The next question is whether Wharton can establish himself in Thomas Tuchel’s long-term England plans. His progress has not been without setbacks.

‎He missed out on the England Under-21 squad that won the European Championship after suffering a concussion in the FA Cup final, when a Kevin De Bruyne shot struck him on the head. The injury also forced him to miss the post-match celebrations.

‎That absence allowed Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson to move ahead in the pecking order at the base of midfield. Anderson impressed during the tournament and has since transitioned smoothly into the senior squad.

‎Meanwhile, Jordan Henderson currently appears to be Tuchel’s preferred experienced back-up.

‎Even so, Wharton has not fallen out of contention. It is understood he made a strong impression in recent internationals against Serbia and Albania, and his calm, disciplined style fits the profile of a midfielder suited to tournament football.

‎A place in Tuchel’s World Cup squad remains a realistic ambition rather than a distant dream.

‎Transfer Interest and an Uncertain Future

‎Regardless of England’s selection, Crystal Palace is bracing itself for interest. Wharton’s contract runs until 2029 and includes no release clause, placing the club in a strong negotiating position. Palace is believed to value him at more than £80m.

‎Interest is already widespread. Manchester City, Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Manchester United are all understood to be monitoring his situation.

‎Palace chairman Steve Parish has publicly acknowledged that contingency plans are being prepared in case Wharton has to be replaced.

‎A January move, however, appears highly unlikely. Palace is competing on multiple fronts, sitting fourth in the Premier League and still involved in four competitions.

‎Wharton’s representatives have made no secret of his ambition to play Champions League football sooner rather than later, but for now, patience suits all parties.