OLIVER Glasner believes Jaydee Canvot has “all the hardware” to become a top centre-back after the France under-21 international replaced injured captain Marc Guehi and helped his side to a clean sheet in the 0-0 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.
Canvot, 19, was making his Premier League debut in place of Guehi, who was on crutches after suffering what Glasner said was “a heavy bone bruise” after getting a kick in the 3-1 win against AZ Alkmaar the previous Thursday.
Palace hope Guehi will return after the International break.
“Jaydee replaced Marc one to one in this position and I think he had a very good game,” Glasner said. “The whole team really defended well. It was a very intense game, many duels. Brighton have a lot of pace in their attack and we did so well defensively.
“I spoke to the back three [on Saturday] where they feel most comfortable because Chris Richards played the left position when Marc was injured when we arrived and he did very well.
“I asked JD if he feels comfortable playing on the left side. For me, it’s always the best, if we have to make a change, we change it one to one than if we have to change three or four positions. Then we said, ‘okay, we’ll play it in the same way’.
“It also helped him playing next to Tyrick Mitchell, who is a great defender and he showed it. I
“I was happy with his [Canvot’s] performance against AEK Larnaca, despite his mistake that led to a goal. What I mention often is it’s part of development, especially as a young player.
“He had an excellent game at Liverpool. I see him in training, what he can do. That’s also the reason why we signed him: we see he has all the hardware you need as a centre-back. He has pace, he’s tall. We have to work with his heading, especially in attack.
“He’s comfortable in the build-up. I think if he gets more confidence, he’s even better in the build-up than what he showed [against Brighton] – more like at the end, because he also can drive into the midfield.
“That’s what we could see. That’s why we signed him and now it’s for him, giving him time, step by step, helping him to become the best Jaydee he can be.”
