Crystal Palace FC is an English club based in South London. The Eagles have been in existence for about 116 years, and have been involved in various tiers of English football. Many players have passed through the club over the years. Today we take a look at the best ever players to have won the red and blue of Palace.
Here are the 5 best players to have ever played for Crystal Palace.
1. Jim Cannon
The retired Scottish professional footballer is one of the Glaziers’ most adored players. The centre-back is the record appearance holder for the Eagles, with 660 matches played in all competitions. Cannon embodied the spirit of the club with his tenacity and all-round doggedness during his long career with the London club.
2. Ian Wright
Before making his way to north London to make his name with Arsenal FC Wright was a fan favorite at Crystal Palace. His prolific goal-scoring antecedents were firmly established during his time with the Eagles. Ian during his time in south London scored 117 goals in 277 appearances the highest goal tally of any Crystal Palace player post-World War Two. The former England international was also named the Crystal Palace player of the century in 2005.
3. Geoff Thomas
He is regarded by some as the greatest ever Crystal Palace. The former England international was seen as the Eagles’ Mr. Captain Fantastic because of his inspirational leadership off and on the pitch. During his time as captain, he helped push them to their highest ever finish in the top English division when they finished 3rd in the 1990/1991 season. In 249 appearances, Geoff scored 35 goals across six seasons.
4. Nigel Martyn
The former England goalkeeper is regarded as the greatest shot-stopper that Selhurst Park has ever witnessed. Nigel was in goal for Crystal Palace between 1989-1996, making over 272 appearances. He was voted into the Crystal Palace team of the century in 2005 by fans of the club.
5. Wilfred Zaha
The skillful Ivorian is arguably one of the most talented and skillful players to have ever put on the red and blue of Crystal Palace. Since his return to the Eagles after an unsuccessful stint with Manchester United Zaha has become the main man at Selhurst Park. The twinkle-toed 28-year-old winger has scored 62 goals in 364 appearances and counting. Wilfred finished runner-up with the Glaziers in the 2016 FA Cup final. Individually he was named Crystal Palace player of the season 3 times in a row (2015/2016, 2016/2017, 2017/2018)
