Crystal Palace’s Colombian Defender: The Evolution of Daniel Muñoz
Crystal Palace enjoyed a late resurgence in the 2023-24 Premier League season after the appointment of Oliver Glasner. In 14 matches, Palace won 7, drew 4, and lost only 3 matches beating Manchester United and Liverpool in the process. Many players benefited from Glasner’s style of play, and the right-back Daniel Muñoz was one of them.
He came to Palace in the January transfer window from Genk and played a crucial role for them. In the 2023-24 season, Muñoz started 16 games and provided 4 assists. He created 21 chances, completed 13 dribbles, won 32 tackles, 105 duels, and completed 76 recoveries. He also won the ball 10 times in the final third. One of his best performances came against Manchester United, where he provided 2 assists in a famous 4-0 win for Palace. Let’s take a dive into Muñoz’s journey from Colombia to England.
Muñoz was born on May 24, 1996, in Amalfi, Antioquia, Colombia. He started his career in the local leagues and then got into the academy of Rionegro Águilas. He developed his skills as a right-back and midfielder. After showing promising signs, Muñoz made his debut for Rionegro Águilas in 2017. He went on to play 94 matches for them between February 2017 and May 2019, establishing himself as the first-choice right back.
He attracted attention from multiple clubs in Colombia and joined Atlético Nacional, a legendary Colombian club with a rich history, crazy fanbase, and numerous trophies. In 2019, he played 20 games for them, contributing 7 goals and 2 assists. His versatility, work rate, and leadership made him a fan favorite. He also captained the club for some time. In 2020, he only played 8 games and scored 1 goal before leaving Nacional to join the Belgian top-flight club Genk.
“Daniel Muñoz is a player with great tactical intelligence and versatility. His transition from defense to midfield has been seamless, and he has become a vital part of our team structure,” said Juan Carlos Osorio, who managed him during the 2019-2020 season at Atlético Nacional.
“Muñoz’s dedication and professionalism are exemplary. His performances on the field speak volumes about his quality and his importance to the team. He is a player any coach would be proud to have,” said Alexandre Guimarães, the Nacional manager at the time he left.
In his first season for Genk, Muñoz played 40 matches and provided 5 assists. He completed 1790 successful passes, 114 long balls, 24 dribbles, and created 33 chances. He had 2926 touches, 75 of which were made in the opponent’s box. Defensively, he won 246 duels, 56 aerial duels, completed 95 interceptions, and 249 recoveries. He also won possession 14 times in the final third. He quickly became a key player who brought defensive solidity and offensive quality into the team, helping Genk finish 4th in the First Division A.
“Daniel Muñoz has been a fantastic addition to our squad. His versatility and work ethic are exceptional, and he has quickly adapted to the demands of European football. His ability to play in multiple positions has been a great asset for us,” said John van den Brom, Genk manager for the 2020-21 season.
In the 2021-22 season, he played 29 matches, contributing 3 goals and 4 assists. He displayed consistency and didn’t have a drop in standards after a good first season. One of his good performances came against KV Oostende. In the fifth minute of the game, Junya Ito played a good one-two with Muñoz. He then carried the ball to the byline and crossed it into the box, and Ike Ugbo tapped it in to give Genk the early lead.
In the 12th minute, Ito made a great run into the box and Patrik Hrošovský played a long ball to him from the right side of his own half. Ito went on to double Genk’s lead with a calm finish. In the 35th minute, Genk played a great move from the middle to Gerardo Arteaga on the right.
Arteaga swung in a cross, and Muñoz arriving at the far post slid the ball into the goal. In the 78th minute, Genk scored their fourth goal. Muñoz received a long ball on the right wing and cut it back into Patrik Hrošovský, who finished it first time into the left corner. Throughout the game, Muñoz displayed great skill and control. He was mature and contributed a goal and an assist to help the team win.
“Muñoz’s leadership qualities are evident in every game. He is not only a key player on the field but also a leader off it. His commitment and dedication to the team’s success are unwavering, and he has earned the respect of his teammates and the technical staff,” said Wouter Vrancken, Genk manager.
The 2022-23 season was Muñoz’s best season. He started 36 matches and contributed 8 goals and 5 assists. He completed 1537 successful passes, 121 long balls, 21 dribbles, and created 31 chances. Defensively, he won 58 tackles, 171 duels, 37 aerial duels, and completed 69 interceptions and 198 recoveries. He also won the ball 16 times in the final third. Muñoz increased his goal output in the season by becoming a prolific header of the ball. 5 of his 8 goals were headed goals, which made him a threat in the box during set pieces.
“Muñoz’s prowess in the air is exceptional. His timing and technique make him a threat in both penalty areas. His ability to win headers has been crucial for us, especially in tight matches where set-pieces can make the difference,” said Wouter Vrancken about Muñoz’s ability in the air.
He displayed this skill against Zulte Waregem in the 4th game of the season. Genk took the early lead with Bryan Heynen scoring a penalty in the 9th minute. In the 25th minute, Genk played a great move off the right and Muñoz played a great cross into the center of the box. András Németh finished it with a close-range header to double the lead. Zulte Waregem got a goal back in the 43rd minute with Jelle Vossen finishing off a great team move.
In the 44th minute, Heynen used his strength to retain the ball in the box and slotted it into the near post to give Genk a two-goal cushion. Muñoz displayed his heading skill in the 52nd minute when he made a great run in front of the defender and headed the ball into the bottom right corner. He was a key player in the game, contributing a goal and an assist.
After a strong 2022-23 season, Muñoz started 16 games in the 2023-24 season. He scored 5 goals and got an assist. Impressed with his consistency and attributes, Crystal Palace decided to sign him in the January transfer window.
“We are delighted to welcome Daniel Muñoz to Crystal Palace. His versatility, leadership, and defensive capabilities will be a tremendous addition to our squad. He has shown his quality in Belgium, and we believe he will be a key player for us moving forward,” said Roy Hodgson, the Palace manager.
“Leaving Genk was a difficult decision because I had a great time there, but moving to Crystal Palace is a step forward in my career. I am grateful for the trust the club has shown in me, and I am determined to repay that faith with my performances on the pitch,” said Daniel Muñoz after leaving Genk to join Palace.
Muñoz had a great half season in the Premier League. With Oliver Glasner being appointed in February, the team has played great football. Muñoz has been the first-choice right back, starting 16 games and providing 4 assists. He likes to win the ball as soon as it’s lost and plays with aggression. He is good at tackling and winning duels. He is good at progressing the ball and creating chances. In the Palace system, Muñoz plays a crucial role as an attacking outlet who is defensively solid. He initiates many attacks for Palace by winning the ball aggressively and launching a fast break.
“Muñoz’s tenacity and determination in winning the ball are admirable. He never shies away from a challenge and often comes out on top in one-on-one situations. His defensive skills are complemented by his ability to immediately turn defense into attack, making him a vital player for us,” said Glasner.
“Muñoz’s leadership on and off the pitch is something we’ve been looking for. He brings a level of professionalism and commitment that sets a great example for the rest of the team. His heading ability is exceptional, and he will be a key player in both defensive and attacking set-pieces.”
At 28 years of age, Muñoz is somewhat of a late bloomer, but he’s nevertheless solidified himself as a crucial figure for not just Crystal Palace, but Colombia. Since making his debut in 2022, he’s racked up 3 goals and 3 assists in 32 appearances for Colombia, scoring twice and providing an assist in his five matches during this summer’s Copa América.
His goal against Brazil saw Colombia finish atop the group, following that up with an assist in their 5-0 win vs. Panama in the quarterfinal. He soured his campaign after getting sent off in the semifinal vs. Uruguay, with Los Cafeteros advancing to the final only to lose to Argentina. Despite this, Muñoz emerged as one of the top defenders in the entire tournament and looks set to play a key role for Colombia in the coming years under Néstor Lorenzo.
By: @TSpec1al
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Alex Davidson / Getty Images