Key strength: Ball retention
Deep-lying playmaker
At just 21 years old, Kaden Rodney is beginning to carve out his place in Crystal Palace's first team setup. The 1.89m English defensive midfielder, who graduated from the Eagles' academy system after a decade of development (2013-2022), has already accumulated 3 first-team appearances and 270 minutes of senior football since officially joining the senior squad on July 1, 2024. Operating in a Crystal Palace side currently sitting 14th in the Premier League, Rodney offers Oliver Glasner valuable versatility—capable of slotting in at centre-back or right-back when called upon. While yet to register a goal or assist, his defensive solidity and positional intelligence have made him a trusted option in Conference League fixtures. With a market value of €200,000, Rodney represents the low-risk, high-potential profile that Palace's renowned academy consistently produces. Learning alongside established defenders like Marc Guéhi (78 rated) and Chris Richards, the young midfielder is gaining invaluable experience at the Premier League level. As Palace navigate their campaign, Rodney's development will be one to watch—a local lad living the dream at Selhurst Park.