[long_read]
Crystal Palace and Roy Hodgson have safely achieved another comfortable campaign in the Premier League, avoiding relegation and booking their place in next season's top tier of English football.
Palace had a mixed year, starting with a great run of away results but enduring an awful start to their home run; their first win at home did not come until December 1st, in a 2-0 victory against Burnley at Selhurst Park.
Despite the home concerns and mutterings of discontent about the ex-England manager's style of football, Hodgson led his side to a comfortable 12th placed finish and continued to get the best out of the likes of Luka Milivojevic, Andros Townsend and more than anyone - Wilfried Zaha. The Ivorian winger has been wonderful for the Eagles this year, often carrying his side to results when the club struggled for form.
Zaha undoubtedly turned up for his team this season, and there's no doubt other top clubs will be looking at him in the summer, but who else performed for Palace and really earned their wages this year?
[snack_break title="Goalkeepers"]
Julian Speroni (£1,300,000 p/y)
Retires this summer after 15 years at the club. Only made two appearances this season, but will leave as a fan favourite at Selhurst Park.
Did he earn his wage? Definitely has.
Wayne Hennessey (£2,080,000 p/y)
A mixed season for Hennessey on and off the pitch. Not been his best year, but still managed to deliver some moments of quality.
Did he earn his wage? Just about.
Vincente Guaita (£3,120,000 p/y)
Has been the best of the three goalkeepers, making some great saves and cementing the number one spot.
Did he earn his wage? Definitely has.
[snack_break title="Defenders"]
Joel Ward (£1,820,000 p/y)
Hasn't played as much as normal, which will be disappointing as he's been a real regular for Palace over the years.
Did he earn his wage? Just about.
Patrick van Aanholt (£2,860,000 p/y)
Always a threat from left-back. He's quick, athletic and certainly has an eye for goal. However, for all his ability we haven't seen anywhere near his best defensively, which comes before any attacking flair.
Did he earn his wage? Definitely not.
James Tomkins (£2,600,000 p/y)
A regular in the Palace ranks, always trusted to perform and is a consistently turning up for his side.
Did he earn his wage? Definitely has.
Scott Dann (£3,120,000 p/y)
Not been a regular this season, but does ok when he's called up. An ageing defender but still has plenty to offer when he's fully fit and has a run in the team.
Did he earn his wage? Just about.
Mamadou Sakho (£5,200,000 p/y)
Has been the other reliable partner at the back with Tomkins, and has really fit in since arriving at Palace from Liverpool
Did he earn his wage? Definitely has.
Pape Souare (£1,560,000 p/y)
Hasn't had many opportunities to shine this season, though it is hard considering the competition in that position.
Did he earn his wage? Definitely not.
Jeffrey Schlupp (£2,912,000 p/y)
Schlupp's a versatile, strong, powerful, fast and intelligent player. He's not always been a starter but he performs when called upon.
Did he earn his wage? Definitely has.
Martin Kelly (£1,300,000 p/y)
Another of the more reliable defenders but still hasn't featured as much as he probably would have liked. His versatility is key, unfortunately for him though there are a back four of players playing very well.
Did he earn his wage? Just about.
Jairo Riedewald (£2,860,000 p/y)
Hardly played, but a young player who can grow into the typical modern centre-back. Needs more opportunities for sure.
Did he earn his wage? Just about.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£780,000 p/y)
Has been truly wonderful to watch in his first season. Not only is he brilliant going forward, but he's also in touch with the defensive side of the game and because of that is rightly linked with many big clubs. Top, top talent.
Did he earn his wage? Definitely has.
[snack_break title="Midfielders"]
Max Meyer (£6,500,000 p/y)
More was expected of him after his summer arrival. He's clearly a gifted footballer but has a lot to do still. Palace may not be the club for him to grow, though.
Did he earn his wage? Definitely not.
Cheikhou Kouyate (£3,380,000 p/y)
A dynamic presence and a threat at one end whilst defending brilliantly at the other. Another decent season for the midfielder.
Did he earn his wage? Definitely has.
James McArthur (£2,860,000 p/y)
Another solid season from the midfielder. Industrious as always, using his composure and experience well.
Did he earn his wage? Definitely has.
Bakary Sako (£2,860,000 p/y)
Not played at all since Palace re-signed him. Strange bit of business.
Did he earn his wage? Definitely not.
Luka Milivojevic (£2,860,000 p/y)
Has been a rock in the middle for Palace, combining tenacity with class. Steps up in the big games and works relentlessly. He's very underrated among the Premier League, but Palace fans know they've got a top player there.
Did he earn his wage? Definitely has.
Andros Townsend (£2,860,000 p/y)
Has had some wonderful moments to be proud of, performing in big games and being a real threat over the course of the season for his side. He's always got the ability to do something out of nothing.
Did he earn his wage? Definitely has.
[snack_break title="Forwards"]
Wilfried Zaha (£5,200,000 p/y)
Palace's best player this season, as mentioned. He's a class above the rest and almost single-handedly wins games for his side at times.
Did he earn his wage? Definitely has.
Jordan Ayew (£2,600,000 p/y)
Despite a mixed reputation for performances at other clubs around the league, Ayew has actually faired a lot better at Palace. He's a good back-up option and does ok when called upon.
Did he earn his wage? Just about
Christian Benteke (£6,240,000 p/y)
He's always getting involved and looking to contribute physically but his goal tally is very poor. Injuries haven't helped his cause but it's been particularly bad this season.
Did he earn his wage? Definitely not
Connor Wickham (£3,120,000 p/y)
Has battled through injuries himself and has made the odd appearance, but does need a good summer to get back to his best.
Did he earn his wage? Definitely not
Michy Batshuayi (£4,680,000 p/y)
After a really exciting move for Palace, it's not turned out to be amazing business but he's done ok. He's scored five Premier League goals and looks a more unpredictable option up front than previous strikers.
Did he earn his wage? Just about.
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