Adam Wharton has the quality to play for “one of the elite clubs, like Real Madrid”, according to former Crystal Palace favourite Clinton Morrison.
The 21-year-old has become a key player for Palace under Oliver Glasner, helping the Eagles win their first major trophy in last season’s FA Cup, as well as the Community Shield at the start of this term.
Wharton, capped three times by England, boasts the most successful passes into the opposing half (120) and the most passes into the final third (56) among Palace midfielders in the Premier League this campaign.
His impressive displays in the middle of the park have led to widespread speculation surrounding his future, with the several top clubs linked with his signature.
Morrison, who scored over 100 goals for Palace across two spells, hopes the Eagles can keep hold of the central midfielder, but believes it is only a matter of time before he moves elsewhere.
“I think he could go abroad and play [for Madrid] because the tempo of his game is so good on the ball,” the former striker told Stats Perform.
“One thing I’d always say with him is he always wants to look forward, always wants to pass forward. I think he’s a fantastic individual. He’s got so much ability. I’ve said it many times, he’s one of my favourite players in the Premier League at the moment, and it’s a player I admire a lot.
“I want him to stay at Palace for the next few seasons. But evidently, I think me and all Palace fans know one day, he will go and play for one of the elite clubs, like Barcelona or Real Madrid. I think that style of football would suit him more as well.”
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Morrison also heaped praise on Palace boss Oliver Glasner, as well as top scorer Jean-Philippe Mateta.
“First and foremost, I’d say Glasner is probably going to go down as one of the best Palace managers ever for what he’s done, bringing two trophies to the club,” Morrison added.
“I’ve met him numerous times. I think he’s a fantastic manager. The players buy into what he wants to do. I would have loved to have played under a manager like that, I think he’s really good.”
Mateta, meanwhile, has eight goals to his name in all competitions this season, while he recently scored his second goal in just three senior international appearances for France.
“One of the nicest blokes you’ll ever meet,” Morrison said. “He’s so humble and he just enjoys his game. He doesn’t ever forget where he comes from and he’s been successful.
“Hard work beats talent. He works ever so hard, and he’s starting to showcase his talent. Long may it continue for Mateta, Crystal Palace and Glasner.”