Daichi Kamada, the 28-year-old midfielder representing Crystal Palace and Japan, finds himself facing significant challenges both on and off the pitch. Despite recently making his mark with the Japan national team during the qualifying rounds for the 2026 World Cup, where he scored the decisive goal against Saudi Arabia, his club situation has turned dire.
Previously coached by Oliver Glasner during his time at Eintracht Frankfurt, Kamada transferred to Crystal Palace but is now playing not where he is most effective. The manager's strategies have dictated Kamada’s role, placing him on the third line instead of his preferred second line, leading to poor performances and struggles to fit within the team framework. With Crystal Palace battling to avoid relegation, the spotlight on Kamada has intensified.
Reports from local media outlets like WE ARE PALACE indicate growing frustration among fans, highlighting sentiments such as, "Fans have expressed dissatisfaction with his abilities" and "A high-salary player is facing criticism". With the team’s lack of form threatening their position, the pressure is mounting on Kamada, with many questioning his contributions and future with the club.
Adding to the tense climate, FOOTBALL INSIDER reported, "Considering acquiring new players", indicating Crystal Palace's intent to bring more talent to the squad as they adapt and strive for survival. If new players are introduced, Kamada's opportunities to play could diminish even more, creating a precarious situation for the Japanese star.
After serving a three-match suspension, Kamada returned to the squad only to find himself sidelined during key matches against Manchester City and Brighton. The team is currently riding on two wins and three draws, maintaining their unbeaten status, yet fielding consistent line-ups minimizes his chances to regain form. His lack of playing time could jeopardize his position on the Japanese national team, especially with the upcoming Asian Cup.
One source close to J-League clubs commented, "If he cannot play, it is natural he struggles to be selected for the national team", emphasizing the importance of regular game time for international prospects. The sentiment echoes the currently saturated midfield for Japan, making Kamada's need to prove himself all the more urgent.
Another voice weighed in on the circumstances surrounding Kamada, stating, "It depends on what he wants to do. If he is completely out of the plans, he has no choice but to move, but for now, he must show his ability". This underlines the precarious balance Kamada must navigate as he considers future options.
The 2023 season has not been kind to Kamada, following his difficult tenure at Lazio last year. Speculations about his viability at Crystal Palace are rife, with doubts over whether he can resurrect his career at this level. Will Kamada find the spark needed to rise above the challenges he faces at Crystal Palace and keep his place on the national team? Only time will tell.
For now, the performance trajectories of both the player and the club remain uncertain, intertwining their futures within the Premier League and international stages.
