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Daichi Kamada makes his case for Crystal Palace start at Brighton

Daichi Kamada has strengthened his claim to return to Crystal Palace’s starting lineup against Brighton after scoring for the second time this week.

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Daichi Kamada makes case for Palace start at Brighton

Daichi Kamada has strengthened his claim to return to Crystal Palace’s starting lineup against Brighton after scoring for the second time this week.

The Japan international came off the bench to give Palace late hope in their 3–2 defeat at Lyon, following his equaliser in Sunday’s victory over Nottingham Forest.

Two goals provide a straightforward argument for selection. The way Kamada has contributed to those attacks gives Pierre Sage more to consider.

Against Forest, he helped construct the move before finishing it. In Lyon, he repeatedly appeared inside the penalty area as Palace chased the game. With Brighton next, there is a strong case for giving him that responsibility from the start.

Daichi Kamada offers Palace more than a finish

Kamada’s equaliser in the 3–1 win over Nottingham Forest demonstrated how he can connect Palace’s midfield and attack.

He began a quick passing sequence involving Adam Wharton, Quinten Timber and Jørgen Strand Larsen, then continued into the box. When the ball reached him, he lifted his finish over Matz Sels.

That movement was central to the goal. Kamada contributed to the approach play and remained involved as the attack developed, giving Palace another player for Forest to track near goal. The combination that brought Palace level illustrated the benefit of midfielders and forwards operating close enough to exchange passes quickly.

It is a useful quality for Sage to build around. A forward receiving with defenders nearby needs teammates offering a short pass and then moving again. Kamada’s involvement in that goal supplied both.

His finish rewarded the decision to keep following the attack after releasing the ball.

Another penalty-area contribution in Lyon

Kamada replaced Ismaïla Sarr in the 63rd minute on Thursday, with Eddie Nketiah also coming on for Strand Larsen.

He subsequently drove into the area and appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty. Another attack brought him close to goal without a clean shooting opportunity, before his persistence paid off in the 81st minute.

Anan Khalaili’s delivery was intercepted but only partially cleared, allowing Kamada to finish the loose ball. His late goal kept Palace in contention after Pavel Šulc had restored Lyon’s two-goal advantage.

The Forest and Lyon goals came from different situations, but both required Kamada to remain available inside the box as the ball changed direction.

That is the encouraging detail for Palace. His recent contributions show a player prepared to support the initial move and then react when the first pass or cross fails to reach its intended target.

Sarr’s return gives Sage a genuine choice

Sage selected Sarr ahead of Kamada among three changes to Palace’s starting lineup in Lyon.

Sarr was making his first start of the season and had moments of his own, including a first-half header that drew a save before the referee penalised him for handball.

Palace’s improvement also began before Kamada arrived. Yeremy Pino scored five minutes after the interval, and Strand Larsen threatened with a header during the visitors’ stronger spell.

Those details matter when assessing the selection. Kamada added to an improving performance, while Sarr had contributed to Palace’s attempts to recover.

The decision for Brighton should therefore consider how the attacking players combine, alongside their individual goal threat. Kamada’s work with Timber and Strand Larsen against Forest gives Sage a recent example of a partnership functioning effectively.

Palace need a better platform at Brighton

Palace visit Brighton on Sunday, October 18, with kick-off at 2pm UK time.

They will need to improve their starts after conceding inside three minutes against Forest and eight minutes against Lyon. Thursday’s first half also passed without a Palace shot on target.

Kamada started the Forest match, so restoring him cannot by itself solve those problems. Palace need greater security behind the ball and more consistent attacking support around whoever leads the line.

His combination play offers one way to improve that support. His recent goals strengthen the argument.

On this week’s evidence, Kamada has earned a return to the starting side at Brighton.

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