11 is The Magic Palace Number
The number 11 holds a special place in many Palace fans hearts for a magnitude of reasons. Flair, skill and brilliance has become synonymous with Palace and is an unwritten requirement. Many have crumbled under the pressure of the red and blue, but a handful rise to the challenge. We delve into a few of Palace’s finest to have ever worn the famous ’11’ on their back.
JOHN SALAKO
Having begun his career at Palace, the England international amassed 215 appearances across 9 years, scoring 22 goals. He was integral to many Palace sides, including starring roles in the 1989 side, promoted to the First Division, 1990 side reaching the FA Cup final and 1991 ZDS winners.
Salako continually impressed, collecting 5 England caps at Selhurst Park. He only wore 11 for one season, Salako produced his 2nd best return,5 goals in 52 matches. However, many Palace fans will remember the brilliance Salako produced in red and blue, with his induction into the Centenary XI in 2005 being further evidence of his brilliance
DOUGIE FREEDMAN
The impact Dougie Freedman has had on Palace has been miraculous. Playing starring roles as Sporting Director, Manager and player, the Scotsman never failed to deliver during his time in SE25. Instincts that few could match, Freedman adhered himself to the Palace faithful and showed his brilliance on countless occasions.
89 goals in 323 appearances across 3 spells is evidence alone at just how good he was at scoring goals. One goal in particular will be remembered, a moment of individual brilliance 3 minutes from time at Edgeley Park as Palace survived on the final day at Stockport. Stockport was one of many moments where his individual brilliance shone and continually was the star of the show.
WILFRIED ZAHA
The king of Selhurst Park was always going to be the centre-piece when mentioning the 11 shirt. 458 games, 90 goals, 54 assists across 2 spells totalling 11 years.
The greatest to ever do it in a Palace shirt and single-handedly kept the club in the Premier League since his return in 2015 from Manchester United.
Direct, skilful and rapid, he epitomised what Palace is all about. From his partnership with Bolasie in the Championship, his ability to rattle Watford and the goals against Brighton, Wilfried Zaha will always be the first name on any all-time Palace XI.
“Zahaaaaaaa OH YES, WILFRIED ZAHA SINGLE HANDEDLY FIRING PALACE TO WEMBLEY” will forever be etched into the brain of Palace fans. Whilst he may have missed the trophies, Palace would not be where they are if Zaha did not do what he done.
CLINTON MORRISON
Another striker on the list who knew where the back of the net was and showed it on a regular basis in SE25. 109 goals in 311 appearances makes him the top goal scorer on this list and those who were fortunate to watch him won’t be surprised at that.
Quick, clinical and oozed confidence adhered him to the Palace faithful very quickly across multiple spells in SE25. Morrison wore the 11 shirt for 2 seasons across the 05/06 and 06/07 season scoring 24 goals across 80 games, including firing Palace to the play-offs in 05/06.
