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Crystal Palace’s top-six reject is defying the establishment – opinion

Crystal Palace currently sit ninth in the Premier League table, above Arsenal and within a win of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. It is a remarkable achievement from Roy Hodgson’s side to be under such little threat from relegation at this stage of the season. And part of the reason the Eagles have been performing so outstandingly is their robust defence. In particular, Martin Kelly.

The 29-year-old began his career with Liverpool, though opportunities with the Reds were limited, making just 33 Premier League appearances over five seasons. Though his current manager included him as a surprise call-up for Euro 2012, and Hodgson’s faith was not misplaced. Since joining the Eagles, Kelly has been reliable at the heart of the defence and this season has been no different.

Alongside either Gary Cahill and James Tomkins the defender has developed a partnership with the English pair which has led to Crystal Palace conceding just 19 goals in their opening 17 matches.  That is the fifth-best defensive record in the Premier League, and it is easy to see why when Kelly has averaged 4.7 clearances per game. To add to that, the defender is contributing just under an interception per game, showing he is adept at reading opposition play and positioning himself to prevent attacks.

Though Kelly’s tackle stats are actually down by 0.6 on last season, his previous stats were the highest of his time since arriving at Selhurst Park. One aspect of the defender’s game that has vastly improved is the number of key passes he is playing, Kelly is not a particularly adventurous right back, but he is creating quadruple the number of chances for teammates. That is reflected in having made an assist this season, with his previous best two for an entire campaign, he is already on course to at least match, if not eclipse that mark.

In an era where wing-backs are often some of the most creative influence in a side, such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kelly is reminiscent of the past. He operates almost as an extra centre back for Crystal Palace, while Patrick van Aanholt is afforded the licence to roam. Kelly’s role as an enforcer at the back is just part of the reason the Eagles have been so tremendous in defence this campaign and sit in and around the ‘big six’.

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