Many Crystal Palace fans have shared their love for Joel Ward after the club wished the player a happy 30th birthday.
The right-back joined the club as a 22-year-old in 2012 for just 585k, according to Transfermarkt.
Given his paltry transfer fee, few may have expected him to get the Eagles promoted in his first season, let alone to go on to become the player with the most Premier League appearances for the club.
With 228 matches played for the red and blue, Joel Ward has been a consistent performer with Palace throughout his career – and no season has proven that more than this one.
After Aaron Wan-Bissaka kept Ward out of the side for the last campaign, it was a tall ask for him to come back into the side after spending so long as backup, but he has taken it in his stride and has not looked out of place at all within the side.
Without any pressure for his place, he has managed to play well, averaging 6.81/10 – the seventh-highest in the Palace squad.
Many Palace fans expressed their appreciation for the defender – as you can see from the replies below…
@JoelWard2 In my opinion doesn’t get enough credit.
— paul burton (@burtyburters) October 29, 2019
After what he’s done for the club and Palace for Life hes surely got to have legend status
— Phillip Russell (@Russell1810_) October 29, 2019
Can we talk about how 3 of his 4 goals for the club have come against Arsenal, Chelsea & Man Utd? Big game player
— Ben Lynam (@benjiesta) October 29, 2019
That clearance off the line during the playoffs
— REILLY (@A_S_Reilly) October 29, 2019
Absolute Palace, always gives his all.
— Poltak Ali Ingah (@AliIngah) October 29, 2019
