Will Hughes: ‘phenomenal’ Ismaila Sarr is ‘so underrated’

Crystal Palace veteran Will Hughes described Ismaila Sarr as “phenomenal” and believes the Senegalese star remains underrated.

Sarr is the Eagles’ top scorer this season with 15 goals in all competitions, delivering on a consistent basis afer a stellar campaign last season.

That run includes a brace in the 2-1 extra time win over AEK Larnaca in the Conference League round-of-16 tie which has landed Palace in the final eight, where they will face Fiorentina following the international break on April 9.

He has also ticked along in the league, scoring seven goals in 20 matches thus far, just one shy of his total for the entirety of last season.

And his ability spans significantly further than just his goalscoring abilities, with 30-year-old Hughes heaping the praise on Palace’s star man for the year.

"A couple of lads said he's [Sarr] phenomenal. He's so underrated,” Hughes said.

"Not only in our team I think, but in football in general. 

“What he produces week in, week out, over a number of years now - It’s been incredible really.

"I'd say he's probably one of the first names on the team to shoot for us. 

“He's such a humble guy and ultimately that's the main thing. The quality he's got, it's brilliant.”

Hughes joined Crystal Palace from Watford in 2021 and has been a constant in the side since then.

Now having played 165 matches for the club in all competitions, Hughes has become an experienced campaigner at Selhurst Park.

His experience will certainly come in handy as Palace look to finish the season as strongly as possible in the Premier League, with a seventh-place finish not out of the question, while the push for European silverware in the Conference League begins to take priority.

But Hughes insists that while his experience may be useful on the pitch, off it, there is little need for it, with the Palace squad one that seem to genuienly enjoy spending time with each other.

"I always speak highly of this group of players and that's not just a cliché answer," added Hughes.

"It's a very close-knit group. Everyone gets on with each other. 

“There's no real bad eggs so to speak.

"I think that's been a big part of why we've been successful.”

Palace are next in action against Fiorentina on April 9, with two weeks off due to the international break.