Ledley relishing Eagles midfield freedom

Joe Ledley is best known for being the first line of defence sitting in front of the back four but the Welsh international admits he’s enjoying the added freedom he’s been given at Crystal Palace.

Alan Pardew has this season tested out a formation with Ledley, James McArthur and Jason Puncheon in the centre of the park, and the extra bodies in midfield mean Ledley is not always forced to sit back.

That appeared to pay off at the weekend as Palace hammered Stoke City 4-1, and while Ledley didn’t get on the scoresheet, the midfield trio were well on top against the Potters.

(Ian Walton/Getty Images)

“Even though I am playing just in front of the back four I do like to attack as well but with the three of us in midfield we can mix it up, it’s great to play with Macca and Punch in there as they work their socks off but we also got the ball down and played some great football in this win.

“We have been working in training at just not sitting in and defending all game, it’s also important that we attack and get goals and that is what we were able to do (against Stoke).

“It’s always nice to be appreciated in what you do and even though I don’t get many goals I am there doing what I need to do for the team and help make them play.

“The fans have been fantastic to me since I have been here so hopefully I have many more performances to come.”