If Crystal Palace had a 2015 Ballon d’Or nominee…

Scott Dann

Scott Dann has led by example in the absence of captain Mile Jedinak and vice-captain Damien Delaney.

The former Redditch United defender has come on leaps and bounds within the last decade; establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most consistent defenders. His commanding performances from the heart of Crystal Palace’s defence helped Eagles boss Alan Pardew achieve the club’s highest-ever finish in the English top-flight (Tenth) last season. His 34 Premier League appearances; including two goals against Southampton and West Ham United, was an exemplary contributing factor to Palace’s fine finish last term, with some football fans believing Dann deserved a call-up to Roy Hodgson’s England squad. But for now, the 28-year-old will have to settle for the title as a former England Under-21 international. However this season; Dann is replicating his dazzling displays from earlier this year to give a huge helping hand in Palace’s push for European football next term, something Eagles fans were optimistic about following the summer arrivals of the likes of Yohan Cabaye and Bakary Sako.