Adam Wharton is quickly becoming one of the most exciting young midfielders in English football—but one surprising statistic continues to stand out. Despite his elegance on the ball and growing reputation, the Crystal Palace star has not scored a goal since January 2024, prompting calls for him to model his development on Declan Rice.
A rising star with one glaring omission
Wharton’s rise has been nothing short of impressive. After making his senior debut for Blackburn Rovers in 2022, he quickly established himself as one of the most composed young midfielders in the game. His performances earned him a move to Selhurst Park in a deal worth up to £22 million.
Since then, he has:
- Made over 80 appearances for Crystal Palace
- Featured in the European competition
- Earned England senior caps after debuting in 2024
Yet, despite his all-action style and willingness to push forward, his last goal came over two years ago in a Championship match against Huddersfield. For a midfielder of his technical ability, that drought is raising eyebrows.
Clinton Morrison’s honest assessment
Former Palace striker Clinton Morrison did not shy away from addressing the issue. His analysis was blunt but constructive: Wharton, he believes, needs to improve his shooting technique.
According to Morrison, when Wharton finds himself on the edge of the box, there is little expectation that he will produce a decisive strike. It’s not about positioning or confidence—but rather clean ball-striking, an essential skill for midfielders looking to add goals to their game.
Why Declan Rice is the perfect example
Morrison points to Declan Rice as the ideal role model—not because the two players are identical, but because of the evolution Rice has undergone.
Earlier in his career at West Ham United, Rice was not known for scoring goals. His strengths lie in defensive awareness, ball recovery, and distribution. However, since moving to Arsenal, he has added a new dimension to his game:
- Driving forward with purpose
- Taking shots from distance
- Contributing to crucial goals in big matches
This transformation is exactly what Wharton is being encouraged to replicate. The message is clear: technical midfielders must evolve to remain elite.
Wharton vs Anderson: battle for England’s midfield
Wharton’s development is also being shaped by competition at the international level. Alongside Elliot Anderson, he is battling for a place in the England national team midfield.
Morrison suggests that, at present, Anderson may have the edge due to his athleticism and ability to cover ground. However, Wharton offers something different—a more refined, technically gifted style that makes him a “beautiful footballer to watch.”
The expectation is that while Anderson may be ahead now, Wharton’s ceiling could ultimately be higher if he continues to develop.
A crucial period ahead
The remainder of the season could prove decisive for Wharton. With Crystal Palace pushing in both domestic and European competitions, and international opportunities looming under Thomas Tuchel, the stage is set for him to take the next step.
Adding goals to his game would not just silence critics—it could transform him into a complete midfielder and significantly boost his chances of securing a regular England role ahead of major tournaments.
Final thought
Adam Wharton’s talent is undeniable, but modern football demands more from midfielders than just control and composure. Goals, end product, and decisive contributions are now essential.
Declan Rice has already shown the blueprint. The question now is whether Wharton can follow it—and turn promise into complete excellence.
