Aaron Wan-Bissaka delighted at Crystal Palace progression – but wants to achieve even more in 2019

BY ANDREW MCSTEEN

After making his first team debut against Tottenham back in February, Crystal Palace right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka has had a whirlwind 2018, stepping up to becoming one of the first names on Roy Hodgson’s teamsheet as well as topping the statistical charts for his position in England’s elite league.

 

But the 21-year-old wants more in 2019 as he continues his progression which saw him keep quiet one of the world’s best players – Eden Hazard – in the Eagles’ 1-0 league loss against Chelsea yesterday.

 

“My aim is to just to play my game, do it for the team, against any opposition,” said Wan-Bissaka, who has been at the club since he was 11.

 

“My aim is to just play my game and to stop teams doing what they are good at, but as he [Hodgson] said after the game, we dug deep but just slipped up with the goal and didn’t deal with it.”

 

As his side look to start the new year with an away league win at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday, Wan-Bissaka reflected on the 12 months gone, a year which started with the Palace U23s, before the SE25 first team, England U20s and then England U21s.

 

 

And as the fireworks ring in the start of the new year, the Palace academy graduate is looking forward to continuing his progression, with some observers even suggesting a move up to the national senior team likely.

 

“2018 was a breakthrough year for me – it’s changed a lot for me,” he said. “I aim to do better next year, but we will have to see for that – I didn’t expect the breakthrough to come the way it was handed on to me, but I am here for it and I will take the chance that’s given to me.

 

“The aim is to continue going forward and whether I play for England or the U21s I will just keep pushing and improving.”