Three Crystal Palace players primed to shine under new manager Pierre Sage | OneFootball

Eagles embark on a new era as club legend departs

Less than a month on from lifting the Conference League, the post-Oliver Glasner era is underway at Crystal Palace after they announced the arrival of Pierre Sage as their new manager on a three-year deal.

Sage joins Palace after just one season at Lens, where he guided the French club to a second-place finish, their first Coupe de France title in 120 years, and was named Ligue 1 manager of the year.

The 47-year-old Frenchman has big shoes to fill, with Glasner winning three trophies in two-and-a-half seasons at Selhurst Park, but he says he is ready to continue the legacy left behind by his predecessor.

"Glasner achieved some amazing things, and now I have to do the same," Sage said as he addressed supporters for the first time on Monday.

Sage is something of a continuity hire as he operates with the same 3-4-2-1 system, predicated on high turnovers, transitions and pressure, which was used so effectively by his predecessor.

It should make his adaptation that bit easier and means many of the players who thrived under Glasner could be set for starring roles under Sage.

Here, Standard Sport looks at three players who could flourish under the new regime…

Big chance: Jorgen Strand Larsen

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Jorgen Strand Larsen

With Jean-Philippe Mateta’s future still in doubt after he failed to secure a move away from Palace in January, Sage may turn to the Eagles’ club-record signing, Strand Larsen, to lead the line.

Mateta’s future, though, remains uncertain, and this could offer up an opportunity for Strand Larsen.

The striker has shown glimpses of his quality at Palace, and his breakaway goal against Shakhtar Donetsk in the first leg of the Conference League semi-final showcased his suitability to Sage’s transitional style of play.

There is much more to come from Strand Larsen, and he matches up well with what Sage wants from his forwards.

His height and physicality allow him to offer a focal point for Palace’s attacks, but he is also confident defending high up the pitch and leading the press to force turnovers.

Should Mateta leave, Sage has a ready-made replacement to take his place.

Coming to the fore: Jaydee Canot

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Jaydee Canvot

After initially struggling to find his feet in Palace’s well-drilled and settled defensive unit, Canvot really came into his own in the second-half of last season.

Given more minutes and responsibility after Marc Guehi left for Manchester City in January, Canvot stepped up, starting 11 of Palace’s final 12 league games - the only game he did not start in that time was on the final day of the season as Glasner rested players ahead of the Conference League final.

The 19-year-old has settled well following his £23m move from Toulouse last summer, and Sage will surely be keen to develop the young centre-back further next season.

Calm under pressure and able to anticipate danger, Canvot is a proactive defender and the future of Palace’s backline.

Maxence Lacroix is the subject of interest from clubs in England and abroad, while Chris Richards is currently negotiating a new contract.

Canvot’s future, though, is not up for debate, and Sage will be encouraged by the development he has made since moving from France to England.

Little magician: Yeremy Pino

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Yeremy Pino

Another summer signing who took a while to get going, Pino has quietly settled into his surroundings in south-east London and could prove an important player for Sage.

Identical to how Glasner set up his attack, Sage likes to play with two narrow No10s behind a lone striker.

This suits the fleet-footed Pino, who likes to create space with his movement rather than his athleticism.

A nimble creative presence, Pino took some time to adapt to the pace and physicality of the Premier League, instead playing his best football on the continent, where he was afforded more space.

Having joined Palace on Deadline Day, Pino spent his first few months getting up to speed, and while glimpses of technical quality followed, consistency alluded him.

An impressive display in the Conference League final saw Pino repay Glasner’s faith, and he was rewarded with a spot in Spain’s 26-man World Cup squad.

With Daichi Kamada yet to commit to a new contract, despite being offered fresh terms by Palace, Pino’s responsibility looks set to increase.

Sage would be wise to look to the 23-year-old as a project player who has much more to give.