Walter Benítez
CRY
Goalkeeper
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Jan 19, 1993 (33)
Right
6'3"
201 lb
Sees two go in loss
Benitez recorded no saves and allowed two goals in Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United.
Analysis: Benitez conceded two goals and failed to record a save in Sunday's loss to Newcastle. Since taking over for the injured Dean Henderson, he has made 14 saves and claimed five crosses across five league appearances. However, he has managed just one clean sheet during that span while allowing 11 goals, limiting his effectiveness despite seeing regular action.
Makes five saves against Brighton
Benitez recorded five saves and allowed five goals in Sunday's 5-0 defeat against Brighton.
Analysis: Benitez faced a difficult matchup as his side struggled away from home, though his five saves kept the score from getting worse. Since taking over as the team's first-choice goalkeeper in September, he's averaging 3.5 saves and 2.0 goals conceded per game across EPL and UEL action. His next league test will come at home against a misfiring Newcastle offense following a midweek trip to Turkey to meet Besiktas in European play.
Stellar after early lapse
Benitez had four saves and allowed one goal in Sunday's 3-1 victory against Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Benitez gave up an early goal but was excellent after that, helping Crystal Palace get back in the match with four saves. The goalkeeper will have a tough UEL matchup next, as Lyon have 11 goals in six domestic games this season.
Keeps clean sheet at Leeds
Benitez recorded two saves and allowed zero goals in Sunday's 0-0 draw against Leeds United.
Analysis: Benitez produced the game's most important save when he reacted quickly to deny Dominic Calvert-Lewin from close range in the second half, helping Palace secure their first Premier League clean sheet of the season. The goalkeeper has made five saves while conceding three goals with one clean sheet across two league appearances. He'll face Nottingham Forest next, though his starting role could be affected if Dean Henderson is ready to return after the international break.
Three saves but concedes three
Benitez had three saves and allowed three goals in Saturday's 3-2 defeat to Ipswich Town.
Analysis: Benitez and his defence struggle aerially as they conceded three goals against Ipswich in a 3-2 defeat. All three goals scored came from the air. Palace have conceded two or more goals in each game so far this season. This was his first start of the year having kept a clean sheet in the EFL Cup against Middlesbrough midweek.
Makes Premier League debut
Benitez registered three saves and allowed zero goals in Sunday's 0-0 draw versus Leeds United.
Analysis: Benitez would feature in the starting XI Sunday after Dean Henderson (illness) was unavailable, his first start in the league after experiences in France and the Netherlands. He would do well to make three saves and manage a clean sheet, a great debut for many. He will likely return to a bench role in the coming matches, as Henderson should return quickly from his illness.
Available in Conference League
Benitez (finger) is available for Thursday's clash with Dynamo Kyiv, according to manager Oliver Glasner. "We have [Walter] Benitez back in the squad."
Analysis: Benitez suffered a dislocated finger and has been out for a few weeks. The goalkeeper is only going to be a backup option for the most part and will likely remain firmly on the bench for the foreseeable future.
Returns to training
Benitez (finger) is back in training, according to James Savundra of Sky Sports.
Analysis: Benitez has missed the club's past two outings due to a dislocated finger but is nearing a return, with the goalie back in training Wednesday. This does put him in a spot to potentially return soon, although he could wait until after the break to ensure his fitness. However, he is their backup either way, likely to only see a bench spot once fit.
Dislocates finger
Benitez has dislocated his finger and will at least miss the club's next two games, according to manager Olivier Glasner. "We start with the negative: Walter Benitez was injured the day after the Millwall game. He dislocated his little finger, and he needs to rest now, so he will miss West Ham and Liverpool. We are hopeful he can come back after the Liverpool game."
Analysis: Benitez is sidelined for the time being, with the goalie out for the next two games due to a dislocated finger. This means he will miss out against West Ham and Liverpool, looking to return when facing Everton on Oct. 5. The good news for the club is this won't force a change, although they will be without their backup goalie.
Will start against Millwall
Benitez will start in his debut with Crystal Palace in Tuesday's EFL Cup game against Millwall, coach Oliver Glasner said in the press conference. "We'll play our best team available, like always. But there will be a few changes. I can confirm that Walter Benitez will have his debut for Crystal Palace."
Analysis: Benitez will be in the starting squad for Tuesday's EFL Cup match against Millwall to make his official debut for his new club after joining Palace early in the summer. The Argentine goalkeeper has been a starter across Europe since 2016 and featured regularly in both the UEL and Champions League with PSV. Benitez will look to show Dean Henderson that he is a reliable second-choice option, which should push the healthy competition between the two goalkeepers moving forward.
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