I agree with your analysis.
It’s the ideal role for Ward at this stage of his career and allows his experience, reading of the game and a defensive awareness to flourish.
It suits Munoz too as it enables him to go forward knowing there is cover there.
This view may prove unpopular, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Ward retains his place in the near term with Guehi taking the position on the left of the back three in place of Richards.

I agree with your Richards post Patrick although I'm yet to see a Wardy diving header.

JW has so much experience and is quick enough in bursts but just look at (the soon to be sainted Munoz) and you can see what he might come up against on the wing.

Didn’t Ward score a diving header away at Chelsea a few seasons back?

Time is not on his side unfortunately. OG's style of pressing - which will include centre halves doing more than standing on the half way line when in possession - is also not ideal for a 34 year old turning 35 near the start of next season.

That said, he has done well inside. Not exposed by pacey wingers who twist and turn both ways. He also dealt well with some of the dangerous crosses Everton put in.

I actually suggested a few weeks ago when we lost MG to injury that Wardy would do a good job as a centre back.When he was injured we started conceding a lot of goals as even though he isn’t the quickest he is a great defender, puts his body on the line and a good defensive header of the ball.We now look more sold from set pieces now he is in the back three. He is far from finished,doing a great job for us, a Palace legend !!

He's always been a useful CH.

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