In Focus: Henderson can soar as an Eagle if he wins Johnstone fight

Dan Fitch
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Dean Henderson has moved to Crystal Palace
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Dean Henderson's move from Manchester United to Crystal Palace has set up a battle to be No1 at Selhurst Park. 

Sam Johnstone has been the Eagles' goalkeeper in all three of their Premier League games this season, earning himself a place in Gareth Southgate's latest England squad. 

And now Henderson must oust the 30-year-old as he looks to re-establish his own place within the Three Lions setup. 

Ahead of Palace's match with Wolves on Sunday, we take a look at why the South Londoners made their move for the stopper and what they can expect. 

Opportunistic deal

On the face of it, Palace's purchase of Henderson was not necessary. 

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Johnstone established himself as the starting goalkeeper back in April, following Roy Hodgson's return to the club. 

The former West Brom stopper has impressed at Selhurst Park, returning to the England squad this summer. 

And with Henderson costing the Eagles a reported £20million, many fans have questioned why the deal was done at a time when there are other areas of the squad that need to be improved. 

But after Vicente Guaita made clear his desire to leave the Londoners, a replacement had to be found. 

The opportunity to buy Henderson to compete for the goalkeeper spot was too good to turn down, considering that, aged 26, he has plenty of time to make his mark.

Johnstone, meanwhile, came to Palace on a free transfer and could be sold at a profit in the future. 

Dean Henderson spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest

Friendly rivalry

The rivalry with Johnstone looks set to be a friendly one, as Henderson explained following his move. 

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He said: "Sam's a top mate of mine who was actually at my wedding last summer. 

"We're great friends and we've had phone calls. Whoever plays, we will support each other." 

Henderson went on to explain exactly what he will bring to Palace. 

He said: "I'm a confident lad. I think that stems from playing a lot of games at a young age and playing well, so I'm just looking forward to getting back to that. 

"I like to be a leader on the pitch. I like to communicate really well and hold high support positions to help my back four out. 

"I like to think I've got a big save in me. That's what I like to model my game on, that modern goalkeeping style." 

Dean Henderson and Sam Johnstone are competing for a starting spot for club and country

Eagle soars

Henderson spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest, where he suffered a thigh injury that brought his campaign to a premature end in January. 

And having been on the bench for Manchester United's first three games of the Premier League season, he may need to remain patient. 

Johnstone has done nothing to warrant being dropped and is expected to start against Wolves. 

But any injury or fall in standards from the incumbent No1 would see Henderson given a chance. 

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Palace might not have started the summer thinking about this transfer but they are now in a perfect position when it comes to goalkeepers. 

They have both excellent cover and the sort of genuine competition that can push players to new heights. 

It is Henderson, however, who is considered to have the higher ceiling and he may well soar as an Eagle.

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Crystal PalacePremier LeagueDean Henderson

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