Daichi Kamada's transfer to Crystal Palace generated significant excitement due to his success under manager Oliver Glasner at Eintracht Frankfurt. As a versatile and creative midfielder, Kamada played a crucial role in Frankfurt's high-octane attacking style, making him an attractive addition to Crystal Palace back in the Summer.
However, despite reuniting with Glasner in the Premier League, Kamada has struggled to adapt to English football.
Tactical Misalignment Despite Familiar Management
You might assume that Kamada would thrive under Glasner at Crystal Palace, given their previous success together at Eintracht Frankfurt. However, while Glasner’s philosophy remains somewhat consistent with the Eagles as it was with his Bundesliga side, the demands of the Premier League and the different squad dynamics at Palace have made it difficult for Kamada to replicate his Bundesliga performances.
Differences Between the Bundesliga and the Premier League
The Premier League is faster, more physical, and requires players to adapt to intense pressing from opponents. While Kamada thrived in the possession-heavy, high-pressing environment of Frankfurt, the Premier League's pace and physicality are proving more challenging.
Midfielders in England are expected to cover more ground and engage in frequent duels, and Kamada has struggled with this adjustment over his opening few months with the side.
At Frankfurt, Kamada operated in a system that emphasised pressing high and creating quick chances through dynamic midfield play. In contrast, Palace's more pragmatic approach in a league as physical as the Premier League doesn’t provide Kamada with the same spaces or time to create.
Reduced Space and Time on the Ball
In the Bundesliga, Kamada often enjoyed more space and time on the ball, allowing him to dictate play with precise passes and intelligent movement.
The defensive intensity in the Premier League means players, particularly creative midfielders, are closed down quickly, limiting the time they have to make decisions. This has forced Kamada into uncomfortable situations where he has been unable to showcase his full creative potential.
Positioning and Role Within the Team
Another factor affecting Kamada's adaptation at Crystal Palace is his position and role within the team. At Frankfurt, he often played in a more advanced midfield role or as a second striker, providing him the freedom to drift between the lines and contribute directly to goal-scoring opportunities.
His movement and vision were integral to Frankfurt’s attacking plays. At Crystal Palace, however, Kamada’s role has been more restricted, as he is expected to play more of a defensive role alongside the likes of Jefferson Lerma, Adam Wharton and/or Will Hughes.
Kamada is not the focal point of Palace attacks
One of the big issues that Kamada also has right now is that he is not considered the focal point for the start of Palace's attacks. Compared to the directness of Eberechi Eze, who is able to take on players and create chances from a more advanced position, Kamada is slotted behind him in the middle of the park, and giving Japanese International the chance to adopt a more advanced role might help him unleash his creativity. Having said that, after the transfer of Michael Olise to Bayern, it's difficult to take a player like Eze and potentially nullify him in any way, especially when he is the genuine creative spark in the side.
Struggles in a Deeper Role
Under Glasner, Palace have sometimes deployed Kamada in a deeper midfield role, which requires more defensive discipline and focus on transitions rather than creativity.
This shift has prevented Kamada from making the same kind of impact in the final third that he did in Germany. Without the freedom to roam and dictate play in advanced positions, Kamada’s influence has waned massively compared to his run in Germany.
Systemic Limitations at Crystal Palace
Even though Glasner's appointment brought hope of a more progressive playing style at Palace, the squad’s limitations and the need to adapt to the Premier League's challenges mean that the team has often had to revert to a more cautious approach.
Kamada, accustomed to a more fluid style of football, has found it difficult to adjust to this more pragmatic style, which doesn’t always maximise his talents.
Time and Patience Are Needed
Despite these challenges, Kamada is an immensely talented player. His struggles do not necessarily reflect a lack of ability but rather the difficulty in adapting to a new league, even with a familiar manager at the helm.
Players often need time to adjust to the Premier League, and Kamada's quality suggests that he could still become a key player for Crystal Palace once he fully/hopefully, acclimatises.
Tactical Adjustments Could Help
Glasner has worked with Kamada before and understands his strengths. Over time, tactical adjustments that give Kamada more freedom to express himself in attacking areas could help unlock his potential.
As Palace's new-look squad becomes more accustomed to Glasner’s system, there may be greater opportunities for Kamada to shine.
