Crystal Palace's rising star Adam Wharton has offered a fascinating glimpse into the bond he shares with teammate Eberechi Eze, revealing how the attacking maestro has been guiding him through his breakthrough season in the Premier League.
From Blackburn to South London: Wharton's Meteoric Rise
The 20-year-old midfielder, who made the £22 million switch from Blackburn Rovers in February, has taken the top flight by storm with his composed performances and exceptional vision. His rapid adaptation has been so impressive that he's already earned his first England caps under Gareth Southgate.
"Ebs has been massive for me since I arrived," Wharton revealed in an exclusive interview. "He's taken me under his wing, helping me settle both on and off the pitch. We've built a real connection in midfield that I believe will only grow stronger."
Eze's Arsenal Transfer Wisdom
Interestingly, Wharton disclosed that Eze has been sharing valuable insights about handling transfer speculation, particularly with growing interest from top clubs like Arsenal. The 25-year-old playmaker has experienced similar attention himself and has been mentoring his younger counterpart on navigating the pressures of elite football.
"He's been through it all himself," Wharton explained. "Ebs keeps telling me to focus on my game, let my football do the talking, and not get distracted by the noise. That advice has been priceless."
Emotional Return to Selhurst Park
The interview comes at a poignant moment for Wharton, who is preparing to face his former club in what promises to be an emotionally charged encounter at Selhurst Park. Having spent his formative years at Blackburn before his high-profile move, the young midfielder admits the fixture carries special significance.
"It will be strange lining up against familiar faces," he confessed. "But this is part of the journey in football. I'm grateful for everything Blackburn gave me, and now I'm fully focused on doing my job for Crystal Palace."
Southgate's Watching Brief
With England manager Gareth Southgate likely to be monitoring his progress, Wharton's performance against his former club could further enhance his international prospects. His seamless transition from Championship football to Premier League standout has marked him as one of English football's most exciting talents.
"Every game is an opportunity to prove yourself," Wharton stated. "I'm just trying to learn, improve, and contribute to the team's success. The rest will take care of itself."
As Crystal Palace continues to build around their young core, the partnership between Wharton and Eze appears destined to become the creative heartbeat of the Eagles' midfield for seasons to come.
