Crystal Palace would have struggled without Jordan Ayew's goals this season.

The Ghana international is by far the Eagles' top scorer, having scored eight times in the Premier League - the next closest are Wilfried Zaha and Patrick van Aanholt, both of whom have managed just three apiece - and he has often been the most threatening presence to their opponents in the top flight.

Palace have struggled in front of goal - only Newcastle have scored less than their 26 strikes - but defensively they have been solid. They have shipped just 32 times - better than all but five sides. That is why their true solidity lies, and that itself comes from between the sticks.

Vicente Guaite arrived with little fanfare from Getafe when he made the switch to Selhurst Park on a free transfer in 2018, even if Roy Hodgson did call him one of the best goalkeepers in La Liga. It seems his previous jobs across the planet may have been right on that one.

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Guaita was good last year for Palace, averaging a save percentage ratio of 73.2% and conceding just 23 times in 20 matches, but he has taken his level up a notch this campaign. This time around, he has a save ratio of 75% in the top flight, which is actually in the top five in the whole division.

With him between the sticks Palace have conceded on just 28 occasions in 27 matches - it is telling that they shipped four times in the two matches he did miss.

Ayew, of course, will receive the lion's share of the plaudits due to the fact that, at the end of the day, he is the man who puts the ball in the back of the net. However, Guaita has proven just as adept of keeping it out of his own. This year's unsung hero, the 33-year-old has proven he has what it takes to be one of the best in the Premier League, too.

Meanwhile, Palace fans lauded this man at the weekend.