Aaron Wan-Bissaka will be a vital cog for Palace this season

Roy Hodgson will be disappointed not to have come away with at least a point against Liverpool after losing 2-0 at Selhurst Park. The manager was frustrated after Liverpool were awarded a penalty and things only got worse for Crystal Palace from then on.

Despite facing their first loss in 5 games, Roy Hodgson can surely take back a lot of positives from the game against the Reds. Many of his stars shined on the night, with most of the praise going to Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Granted, the right-back was sent off in the final quarter of the game, but any defender would have done what he did at that point. Mo Salah latched onto a ball and was sent in one-on-one against Hennessey. Had the 20-year-old not thought quickly, the Egyptian would have slotted it home effortlessly.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka rose to prominence through the Eagles’ Youth Academy and is becoming a firm favourite amongst the fans. The right-back made his way into the first-team set-up under Hodgson last season and has hit the ground running this time out. He has kept the likes of Joel Ward out of the starting line-up.

The youngster put in excellent shifts in both the opening games, picking up an assist as well. He is a committed defender who likes to maraud forward in search of goals. Wan-Bissaka and Andrew Robertson played out an enthralling personal battle as both kept each other on their toes.

The Palace defender also pulled off a difficult task of keeping Sadio Mane quiet for much of the game. It’s not easy to catch up with the Senegalese attacker when he’s a yard ahead of you. Yet, the Palace man came from behind to cut down the supply from the left flank and stop Liverpool on the counter a number of times.

Wan-Bissaka made a total of 3 tackles and 3 clearances at Selhurst Park against Liverpool. The youngster showed impressive work rate as he surged up and down the field. After he was sent off, the Eagles looked considerably weakened, which resulted in the final goal from Sadio Mane. (Stats courtesy – Whoscored)

As the Eagles get on with their season, Aaron Wan-Bissaka will definitely prove to be a massive asset for the club. Gareth Southgate was present in the stands to watch the youngster and he would have surely liked what he saw. Good times await Wan-Bissaka if he continues playing this way.