21st Jan 2024 • Written by Alex Jones

Potentially Palace: Daniel Muñoz

Crystal Palace - stuck in an interminable cycle of the same three home-grown right-backs, might actually be breaking the pattern.

Yes, you read that right: Palace are actively discussing a right-back target.

This is not idle speculation either; several sources have linked the club with Colombian international Daniel Muñoz, but it is recent press conference quotes from Roy Hodgson that have channelled paper talk into real prospects.

Ahead of the FA Cup replay against Everton on January 17th, Hodgson was quizzed on the club’s prospective business. When pressed on recent links with Kalvin Phillips and Muñoz himself, Hodgson said of the defender, "I have only seen a video of him, but he looks good."

To acknowledge this so publicly confirms a number of points. Notably, the club must’ve already A) scouted, B) analysed internally, and C) been actively seeking senior approval for video analysis to reach Hodgson’s in-tray.

Ultimately, the final decision lies with Steve Parish, but internal discussions to sign Muñoz are clearly escalating.

What can we expect from Muñoz?

In truth, any fan casting even a cursory glance at the rumour mill or social media will already be aware that he is an attacking full-back. With plenty of career goals to his name, South American football expert Tim Vickery said of the full-back: "Muñoz is an attacking right-back. There's plenty of goals in him. He would be ready for the Premier League."

With this in mind, fans will already have a good awareness of what he could add offensively, as well as the general need for a fresh right-back within the squad.

So let’s answer a more important question: is Muñoz defensively capable of stepping up to the highest level of English football?

For one, any future possession-based style would suit Muñoz.  He completes over 4 in 5 of his passes, a key area of focus when playing with the likes of Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen. (via Fbref)

Whether it’s progressing play or simply controlling from the back, he’ll need to replicate that kind of consistency to survive at the top. He will be routinely expected to receive passes frequently before shuttling up to support the wingers and midfield in transition. He looks capable, even if a period of adjustment would be required. 

In a strictly defensive sense, he averages 1.3 aerials won per game, while impressively winning 7 in 10 of his attempted tackles. In his four seasons at Genk, he is progressively winning more, giving away less and consistently outranks peers in comparable leagues. Featuring in the top 5% or even 1% for key offensive and defensive data, Muñoz is a man meant for meaner, greener leagues.

He replicates similar form at both domestic and European level too, adding to a story of constant improvement and a readiness to step up to bigger challenges.

It would be unwise to not add an element of caution here. There is no guarantee that with a tougher standard of opposition that the defender will excel at the basics. There is potential to grow into the league, but any arrival should be tempered with patience and empathy from fans.

Destined to leave a mark

We don’t just want to gloss over his offensive prowess, however. As we hinted at earlier, he ranks impressively highly for offensive actions too.

In 22/23, the defender scored seven goals in 32 games and provided five assists. This year he has five goals from just 20 shots - remember, he’s a defender. A 25% conversion rate - albeit in a weaker league - wouldn’t be snubbed by a middle-tier striker let alone a full-back. 

Exceeding his xG by 2.7 and with 38 progressive carries, he possesses both a finishing touch and an ability to support in transition. This could offset some of the stale, directionless ball-playing that so often restrains the countering potential of the squad.

Something to get fans salivating is the prospect of a link-up with Palace’s very own whirlwind in Michael Olise on the right. Proven as both a ball-carrier and an additional offensive threat, he boasts 0.35 xG+xAssists per 90. When you consider this fuller package, his offensive impact becomes clearer. 

For those who prefer the eye test, think of it this way; whether he’s given licence to run forward in support or to play out and pass from a deeper spot, Muñoz has the toolkit to be comfortable in all sorts of tactical setups. 

Whether it’s the discipline, positional awareness or countering demanded more by Hodgson (or greater possession and attacking demands elsewhere) then Muñoz is your man. In that sense he could be a shrewd and versatile pickup, both for short and long-term squad planning.

There is a risk that he could emerge as a right-sided Patrick van Aanholt, with fans joking that his offensive prowess could be marred by defensive errors and poor positional errors. That may yet happen and again, caution should be urged. He will be unlikely to replicate his form immediately (at both ends of the pitch), but nonetheless would represent an upgrade on comparably-poor offensive output from Nathaniel Clyne and Joel Ward.

Lets talk Lerma

Palace have taken to ramping up their scouting and recruitment in South America, and we would be doing an injustice if we didn’t briefly mention Jefferson Lerma.

Muñoz is sure to have a good relationship with his ever-present midfield compatriot. While the power of friendship isn’t exactly a compelling argument in its own right, it’s worth adding that an existing relationship at the club could both help him settle in London.

Let’s also not forget reputational benefits. Lerma has reportedly recommended fellow Colombian Jhon Cordoba as a signing, so the pivotal bulwark could equally be speaking to Muñoz, boosting his countryman’s perception of the Eagles. [via the Evening Standard]

Ultimately, Muñoz will be well-advised and sure to jump at the chance to play in the Premier League - but don’t discount the perks of having a fellow Colombian international at the club.

How viable is a deal?

In de facto terms, the 27-year-old international has two years on his deal (12 months, with a years option held by Genk).

Strategically, a sale at a reported price of £8 million would suit the tightly-ran finances of the club while mitigating substantial risk. If, for whatever reason, the marauding ace failed to adapt to the quality of the  Premier League then there is ultimately little risk of leaving an Everton/Forest-shaped hole on the balance sheet.

Despite his age, he represents a strong balance between seniority and experience while still future-proofing the right-back department.

Consequently, this is a deal that would likely be viable both from a financial perspective and for the immediate sporting needs of the squad.

So what next?

Conclusively, the club holds clear interest - and for good reason.

This is extrapolating to be sure, but there is still a long way before a deal can be struck. It seems as though analysis is thorough but the approval process internally is still in the works, so it may yet be a week or two before Genk are approached - if the club even decide to move at all.

Nonetheless, Muñoz clearly possesses the acumen to support Olise et. al. on the right whilst soothing a sore weak spot in the squad. At a supposed £8 million fee, Muñoz ultimately represents strong value in a typically-tough market to operate in.

Potentially Palace? The answer - as always  - is potentially.

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