Jedinak must lead Palace out of quagmire

Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak’s latest challenge is leading his club team, Crystal Palace, to safety once more.

Last season, Mile’s leadership, strength and vision were the outstanding attributes that allowed Palace to retain a solid middle and achieve the ability to spring forward with lively attacking intent.

He led the Premier League for the most tackles and was on track to play every single minute of the campaign until a cruel injury in the final game.

But his club has begun this campaign in disarray, following inspirational leader Tony Pulis’ departure, reportedly due to a disagreement over transfer fees and targets.

Tony was aware that the team were in vital need of reinforcement after salvaging the ruins of a team seemingly destined for relegation.

Malky Mackay has been announced as Palace’s new manager and must bind a likely fractured unit while using the diminishing remains of the transfer market shrewdly.

Mile as the captain of the club has a responsibility to establish himself as a definitive leader and must ensure his efforts on the field galvanise the team.

Malky was probably unfairly disposed from his duties at Cardiff City last season, after a falling out with a volatile owner. On arrival at Palace he will attempt to promote a different brand of football, the effectiveness of which will hinge on the players buying into it, and whether a divide has been forged between Pulis supporters and the rest of the dressing room.

Jedinak needs to be the uniting force. He has the necessary experience to unify a potentially unsettled playing roster. For Palace, Jedinak typically plays as a shield in front of the back four and possesses great aerial strength, an excellent reading of the game and calm distribution, particularly in dictating the flow.

Joe Ledley sits alongside him, and towards the end of last season the understanding between the two midfielders turned Palace into a well-organised team, capable of playing clever football.

Mile will be instrumental in deciding Crystal Palace’s season and if he can lead assurance, avoiding relegation will be a formality.