Marc Guehi

Marc Guehi is the best young centre-back in English football, and the fact that he is still at Crystal Palace is either a testament to his loyalty or an indictment of the clubs who have spent multiple transfer windows failing to meet Palace’s valuation. The Chelsea academy product has composure on the ball that belongs at Champions League level, a reading of the game that makes experienced strikers look naive, and a one-on-one defending ability that is as close to flawless as any 24-year-old in the division. His performances at Euro 2024 were not a breakout — they were a confirmation of what anyone who had been paying attention already knew.

Guehi’s leadership qualities are remarkable for a player of his age. He is the bedrock of Palace’s defence under Glasner, organising the players around him with an authority that belies his years. The persistent transfer interest from top clubs has been a recurring subplot, but Guehi has remained at Selhurst Park and continued to develop his game, adding aerial assertiveness and improved distribution to a skill set that was already exceptional. His calmness under pressure makes him ideally suited to the modern Premier League.

For Australian fans, Guehi represents the future of English defending — technically proficient, tactically intelligent, and destined for the very top of the game. The only question is when, not if.

Career Statistics

Player Profile

With 120 appearances and 5 goals, Guehi’s consistency and quality have made him one of the most sought-after defenders in the Premier League. The England international is a cornerstone of Palace’s 2025-26 squad, and every transfer window that passes without his departure is a minor miracle for Selhurst Park. Eventually, a club will match the price. Until then, Palace should appreciate that they have one of the finest defenders in the country wearing their shirt.

VS — Chief sports columnist, australiafootball.com