Crystal Palace ace recounts ‘massive’ record-setting moment with teammate expecting more of the same

Marc Guehi has recounted the unexpected honour of captaining Crystal Palace, a role Conor Gallagher feels his teammate will make his own.

Guehi was given the honour of captaining his side against Watford in the week in the absence of Luka Milovojevic. At 21 years old, Guehi became the youngest player to captain the Eagles since Nathaniel Clyne in 2012.

Guehi has missed just one game for Palace this season. Indeed, his consistent performances earned him the honour of being entrusted the armband. The centre-back was clearly delighted to take up the role.

 “It’s a massive moment for me and not something that I was expecting – I got told just before the game,” he said via football.london.

“It’s a huge honour to captain this club and to have the backing of the manager and the players is fantastic.”

Gallagher was also thrilled for his close friend, who he played alongside in the Chelsea academy.

“When I found out he was captain I was just really proud and happy for him. I know it’ll mean a lot for him and his family and he deserves it because he’s been brilliant for us this season,” said the Chelsea loanee.

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“Marc is going to be a captain in his career because of the way he is on and off the pitch.”

Indeed, Guehi is already the captain of the England Under-21 side. Clearly, the centre-back has the attributes required to lead a team.

Guehi and Mitchell nearing England squad

Meanwhile, Palace right-back Clyne feels Guehi and teammate Tyrick Mitchell are not far from an England call up.

Clyne himself made 14 appearances for the Three Lions. He feels the pair’s consistent performances in a Palace shirt will see them break into the England side soon.

“They are definitely on the verge [of it]. They are both performing really well, and they’re both putting in man of the match performances – they haven’t put a foot wrong,” he said.

Indeed, it would be a big achievement for Palace to have multiple players in the squad. Gallagher has already received his first senior England cap during the current campaign, and Guehi and Mitchell could well follow.

Before Gallagher, though, it had been five years since an Eagles player made a senior England appearance.

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