LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: Manager Roy Hodgson, Matheus Franca, Jefferson Lerma, Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on October 27, 2023 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Rob Holding was acquired by Crystal Palace from Arsenal during the summer transfer window, but he hasn’t played much since.
Holding did not play a single Premier League minute for Palace during their League Cup loss to Manchester United. Since then, he has not been seen.
There have been rumors in the past few months that he would go during the January transfer window, but as of right now, nothing suggests that he might try to leave.
The 28-year-old has now discussed his circumstances at the team and revealed a chat he had on his playing time with Roy Hodgson.
Rob Holding discloses the chat Hodgson had when they arrived at Crystal Palace.
Holding clarified on Harry’s Gym Chat on YouTube that although he is prepared to play when called upon, he is aware that Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen are in front of him in the hierarchy.
“I came to Palace, but I’m sitting in a supporting role right now because Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen are playing so well,” he said.
“I can’t be knocking on the door asking when I’m going to get a game because they’re getting clean sheets, and he’ll just say, ‘The other boys are keeping clean sheets, so you can’t do that.'”
“When I initially arrived, I spoke with Roy and he gave me an explanation. I just said to myself, ‘It’s something I’m used to; I’ve dealt with it before. I promise not to act toxically in the locker room as a result.
Although Holding’s departure from Arsenal was motivated by a desire for increased playing time, he is now playing even less than before, therefore Palace made sense in bringing him in as inexpensive, experienced cover.
It was obvious that Guehi and Andersen would be in front of him in the pecking order, and even if one of them leaves—Guehi has been connected to a summer departure—it is unlikely that he will be considered the first choice.
Holding might not play at all for the remainder of the season if Palace maintain healthy, as there is no reason to disrupt the defensive tandem and they are eliminated from both cups. Few would blame him for pushing for a move, but if he is content to stay at the club, Holding would provide valuable protection in the event of an injury at the back.
