Roy Keane gives the most perfect verdict on Oliver Glasner’s outcast for his masterclass display to keep full at bay

Roy Keane Hails Adam Wharton for Dominant Display in Crystal Palace’s Draw with Fulham

Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane has lavished praise on Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton following the Eagles’ hard-fought 1-1 draw against Fulham at Selhurst Park on New Year’s Day.

The 1-1 stalemate saw Jean-Philippe Mateta give Palace a first-half lead with a well-taken header, ending his recent goal drought from open play. However, Fulham fought back in the second half through a stunning long-range strike from substitute Tom Cairney, who curled home from the edge of the box to secure a valuable point for the visitors.

Amid a frustrating run of form for Oliver Glasner’s side—who extended their winless streak to five matches—Wharton stood out as a beacon of composure and quality in midfield. The 21-year-old England international dictated play with his precise passing, intelligent positioning, and ability to break lines, earning widespread acclaim for his maturity and control in a game where Palace struggled to convert chances.

Keane, known for his no-nonsense assessments, was particularly impressed by Wharton’s performance. Speaking on Sky Sports post-match analysis, the former Manchester United captain described the young midfielder as a “class act” who “knows exactly what he’s doing on the pitch.” Keane highlighted Wharton’s composure under pressure, noting how he avoided the frantic style of many modern midfielders and instead focused on simple, effective play that kept Palace ticking. “He’s got that old-school feel about him—calm, picks the right pass, doesn’t rush things,” Keane said. “In a game where the team needed someone to stay cool and drive things forward, Wharton was outstanding.”

Wharton’s display comes at a time when his stock continues to rise, with ongoing links to bigger clubs including Manchester United. Having progressed rapidly since breaking into the Palace first team, the former Blackburn Rovers talent has become a key figure in Glasner’s setup, offering both defensive solidity and creative spark from deep positions.

Despite the draw leaving Palace in the bottom half and still searching for consistency after a difficult festive period, Wharton’s performance provided a positive note. Fans and pundits alike agreed he was one of the standout performers on a day when the Eagles showed glimpses of quality but lacked the ruthlessness to claim all three points.

As Palace look to turn their form around in the second half of the season, retaining and building around talents like Wharton will be crucial. Keane’s endorsement underscores the midfielder’s growing reputation as one of the Premier League’s most promising young players—someone who could yet propel Palace back into the top half and beyond.