Daichi Kamada

Key strength: Vision and passing

Creative playmaker

Crystal Palace sit 14th in the table—a position that demands more creativity—and their summer acquisition Daichi Kamada represents exactly the solution they're seeking. The 29-year-old Japanese attacking midfielder arrived from Eintracht Frankfurt on a free transfer in July 2024, signing a two-year deal through 2026. While still finding his footing in South London with just 90 minutes across three appearances, his €12 million valuation reflects his reputation as a continental-class playmaker. Kamada brings the technical sophistication Palace's midfield craves: a gifted dribbler and creator who thrives between the lines. Though yet to register goals or assists, manager Oliver Glasner—who knows him well from their Frankfurt partnership—is clearly integrating him gradually. With teammates like Marc Guéhi anchoring the defense and Tyrick Mitchell providing width, Kamada's role is to unlock defenses from the attacking midfield berth. The early season is a settling period, but his track record suggests the statistics will follow. For a Palace side desperate for attacking fluency, Kamada's €0 transfer fee could prove one of the summer's smartest business moves.