Adam Wharton embraces leadership role at Crystal Palace amid major changes

Adam Wharton wants to become a bigger leader at Crystal Palace after wearing the captain’s armband for the first time last weekend.

The 22-year-old captained Palace during their 3-2 Premier League defeat to Ipswich Town and believes becoming more vocal is an important part of his development.

Despite his age, Wharton has already made 101 appearances for Palace and is now among the more experienced members of a squad transformed by the arrival of Pierre Sage and 10 new signings.

Speaking ahead of Palace’s Europa League meeting with Lech Poznan, Wharton explained that communication has become particularly important.

“I think the more you speak and communicate on the pitch, the easier it is as a team to play together and be on the same page,” he said.

“With a lot of new signings, new faces, you have to communicate more because they’re trying to adapt to new players, new tactics, maybe a different intensity if they’ve come from a different league.”

Wharton does not believe he needs the captaincy to take responsibility.

“If I’m captain, if I’m not, I still want to help the team and be someone they can look to, to pull us together when we might need it.”

While his responsibilities are increasing, Wharton admitted he has not been completely satisfied with his performances this season.

“Personally, I’m not delighted with how I started,” he said. “A few good bits, but also a lot of stuff to work on.”

The midfielder believes some inconsistency is understandable given the scale of change at Selhurst Park.

Sage has introduced a new tactical approach, while Palace’s summer recruitment means established players are also learning how to work with several new teammates.

“It’s not always smooth sailing when there are new tactics and a lot of new faces,” Wharton explained. “It’s not just going to click like that.”

For Wharton, the priority is developing a better understanding of Sage’s demands both in and out of possession while learning how to maximise the qualities of Palace’s new arrivals.

Wharton was also linked with Manchester City during the summer transfer window, but insists speculation about his future never became a distraction.

“I’ve never really thought about my transfer this summer,” he said. “I stay very far away from it. My agent doesn’t really tell me anything. I don’t want to know anything.”

Wharton says he never considered another club and remained focused on preparing for the new season with Palace.

He also pointed towards the three years remaining on his contract, making his current position straightforward.

“For all I know, I’m here for another three years unless another club comes in, or there is a new contract.”

Wharton’s immediate focus is Palace’s Europa League campaign and adapting further to Sage’s system.

Whether he wears the armband regularly or not, the midfielder clearly wants to take greater responsibility as Palace attempt to build consistency with their reshaped squad.