Oliver Glasner’s Tactical Tweaks with Dean Henderson in Crystal Palace Training

Oliver Glasner’s tenure as Crystal Palace manager has brought about a wave of changes, and recent training footage sheds light on one intriguing adjustment focused on goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

Since Glasner took the reins in February, his stylistic divergence from predecessor Roy Hodgson has been evident. From altering formations to instilling a new footballing philosophy, Glasner’s impact on the club’s ethos is palpable and promising.

As Palace gears up to face Nottingham Forest, fresh alterations have been observed in training sessions, with Henderson featuring prominently. In a departure from traditional methods, Henderson is actively involved in possession drills alongside outfield players, a practice less common during Hodgson’s tenure, where ball-playing goalkeepers were not prioritized.

Glasner’s emphasis on this aspect of play underscores his forward-thinking approach and aligns with modern football trends. With regular goalkeeper Sam Johnstone sidelined due to injury, Henderson now has an opportunity to demonstrate his worth, having been acquired for a significant fee last summer.

Despite sporadic strong performances, notably against Manchester City, Henderson has yet to consistently justify his price tag, leading to skepticism among fans. However, under Glasner’s system, Henderson has the chance to silence doubters and solidify his position as Palace’s number one goalkeeper.

The upcoming matches will serve as a crucial test for Henderson, offering him the opportunity to showcase his abilities within Glasner’s framework. Failure to capitalize on this opportunity could prove detrimental to his future prospects at the club.