Crystal Palace experienced a less-than-ideal comeback to Premier League action over the weekend, suffering a 5-0 defeat away to title contenders Arsenal. The match unfolded in an unusual manner, with the Eagles not appearing significantly inferior to the hosts in the first half. However, two goals from corners, including an own goal, swiftly placed them in a disadvantageous position that proved insurmountable before they encountered further challenges in the second half.
Nathaniel Clyne, the right-back, was substituted before the end of the game, and this decision was unsurprising given his eight instances of losing possession and a lone off-target shot.
It shouldn’t come as a shock that the most recent player linked with a transfer to Selhurst Park might face exclusion from the squad altogether.
Crystal Palace explores Belgian market for full-back additions
As reported by the Belgian outlet HLN, Crystal Palace is keenly interested in Daniel Muñoz, Genk’s dynamic and exciting Colombian right-back.
The disclosed information indicates that Crystal Palace has already made an offer for the full international player. However, the Belgian club is holding out for a sum in the ‘double-digit’ range, essentially valuing the 27-year-old at approximately €10 million, which is about £9 million.
The reasonably affordable cost should motivate the South London team to proceed, especially considering Muñoz has publicly stated his aspiration to play in the Premier League. With all signs suggesting that this could be a relatively straightforward transaction for Palace, fans have reason to be enthusiastic, although it may not bode well for Clyne.
Comparing Daniel Muñoz to Nathaniel Clyne
Throughout this season, Clyne has been in competition with club captain Joel Ward for the primary right-back role. Despite starting in seven league matches, two FA Cup games, and two League Cup games, Clyne is clearly the second choice, given that Ward has been the starting right-back in 76% of the team’s Premier League games this season.
On the flip side, the Genk standout has initiated 76% of his team’s league matches, registering five goals and one assist. Additionally, he has been featured in 83% of their Europa Conference League group stage encounters, contributing one goal. Given his impressive goal-scoring statistics, it’s no wonder that South American football expert Tim Vickery characterizes the former Atlético Nacional player as a full-back with “a significant goal-scoring capability.”
In addition to his defensive skills, Muñoz’s knack for scoring goals could serve as an extra advantage upon his arrival in South London, especially considering that Palace’s tally of 22 goals ranks as the third lowest in the league.
Yet, when assessing their underlying statistics, who emerges as the superior player between Muñoz and Clyne? Unfortunately for the Englishman, the comparison is overwhelmingly one-sided. The Colombian outperforms his potential new teammate in nearly every metric, whether pertaining to the offensive or defensive aspects of the game.
For instance, Muñoz generates 0.33 non-penalty expected goals and assists per 90, while Clyne produces only 0.01. The same trend persists for goals alone, with Muñoz scoring 0.31 per 90 compared to the former Liverpool player’s 0.00.
| Daniel Muñoz vs Nathaniel Clyne | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stats per 90 | Muñoz | Clyne |
| Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists | 0.33 | 0.01 |
| Goals | 0.31 | 0.00 |
| Assists | 0.06 | 0.00 |
| Progressive Carries | 2.38 | 1.00 |
| Progressive Passes | 7.94 | 2.25 |
| Shots on Target | 0.50 | 0.00 |
| Passing Accuracy | 79.8% | 79.8% |
| Shot-Creating Actions | 3.43 | 0.50 |
| Goal-Creating Actions | 0.25 | 0.00 |
| Tackles Won | 1.75 | 1.13 |
| Blocks | 1.19 | 1.13 |
| Interceptions | 1.63 | 0.50 |
| Clearances | 2.19 | 2.63 |
| Ball Recoveries | 5.88 | 3.63 |
| All Stats via FBref for the 2023/24 Domestic Season | ||
The sole aspect where Clyne holds any semblance of an advantage is in clearances. However, in every other defensive statistic, he lags considerably behind the player who appears poised to potentially take his place.
While Clyne has proven to be a valuable asset to the club and has had a commendable career in the English top flight, his performances this season have fallen short. Muñoz, on the other hand, surpasses him by a wide margin in nearly every significant metric. Consequently, Palace should make every effort to finalize this deal.
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