Marc Guehi has reflected on the “honour” of being named Crystal Palace captain for their 4-1 Premier League win over Watford on Wednesday evening.
The 21-year-old, who is also England’s Under-21s skipper, played the full 90 minutes at centre-back as the Eagles registered their first league win of 2022 at Vicarage Road.
In taking the armband, Guehi became Palace’s youngest captain since 2012 when Nathaniel Clyne led the side in the Championship against Leicester City at the age of just 20.
Reflecting on the moment after the game, Guehi told PalaceTV: “It’s a massive moment for me and not something that I was expecting - I got told just before the game.”
“It’s a huge honour to captain this club and to have the backing of the manager and the players is fantastic.”
Guehi’s pitchside interview was conducted stood next to close friend and teammate Conor Gallagher, who had put the Eagles 2-1 up during the first half with an excellent touch and finish past Ben Foster.
The goal took Gallagher to eight for the season, leaving him tied as Palace’s top scorer this season along with Wilfried Zaha.
The Chelsea loanee could barely hold in his smile as Guehi was asked about being named captain, before adding his own thoughts.
“Marc is going to be a captain in his career because of the way he is on and off the pitch,” he said.
“When I found out he was captain I was just really proud and happy for him. I know it’ll mean a lot for him and his family and he deserves it because he’s been brilliant for us this season.”
Gallagher and Guehi both came through the ranks of the Chelsea academy together and have played together for Swansea City on loan in the Championship, as well as for England’s age groups from Under-17s through to Under-21s.
Prior to them both ending up at Selhurst Park last summer the pair trained together during the off-season at non-league side Dorking Wanderers.
Guehi then made his permanent move to SE25 in July for around £18million before Gallagher followed him on loan two weeks later.
“It seems like we can’t leave each other alone,” Gallagher said of his and Guehi’s relationship after joining Palace.
“We grew up through the academy at Chelsea, we were at Swansea together and now here, so we’re like best mates. I’m really happy he’s here.”
