Crystal Palace midfielder Jefferson Lerma has caused deep concern in Colombia after his recent injury, with journalist Carlos Antonio Vélez giving a candid assessment. rcn sports.
Velez made it clear how important the 30-year-old is to both club and country. He said: "What's happening with Lerma seriously concerns me. Lerma is the balancing point of the team."
The Colombian international will be out of the competition for three weeks or more, and Crystal Palace's poor form has further fueled the discussion domestically.
"That's what gives balance"
Vélez did not hide his concern about the situation at Crystal Palace. He cited the club's recent record and suggested that pressure was building at Selhurst Park.
He said: "He has been injured. It doesn't surprise me, because as much workload as he has with the national team, he also has with his club. This is a team that has only won one in the last sixteen matches."
In his view, there are consequences beyond the results of that race. he adds: "A team that is performing poorly takes away good players. When a team is not performing well, the good players fade away."
For Crystal Palace supporters, that line will resonate. Lerma arrived from Bournemouth in 2023 and quickly became one of the team's most reliable performers. However, the instability around them has made their role even heavier.
Vélez also highlighted Lerma's tactical versatility. he explained: "He has played as a five, as an eight, even as a centre-back in a back three. He has served the team in every role."
That flexibility has also made him valuable to Colombia. Velez used a fascinating metaphor to make this point: "In the national team, he is the one who gives balance. He is the guardian of the mosque. He protects the stone. He is responsible for the balance of Colombia."
Concerns about the World Cup are already emerging
local journalist Juan Felipe CadavidSpeaking on the same Deportes RCN program, he took a lighter tone but made the same underlying point about the timing.
He said: "Okay, it's time for Lerma to get injured, no? Later, he'd better not joke for the World Cup. But now, okay, go and rest, take a little injury if you want, as long as it's not serious at all. Later, don't talk nonsense. We need him for the World Cup."
With the tournament taking place in the middle of the year, Colombia's message is clear. Injuries could be a concern not only for Palace, but also for the national team who see Lerma as a guaranteed starter.
From the palace's perspective, this underlines the scale of responsibility on their shoulders. When results fall apart, structure becomes necessary. Lerma provides that structure.
If his absence is prolonged, Crystal Palace have lost not only a midfielder, but what many in Colombia openly describe as a team stabilizing force.
