‘Cant disappoint’:If called upon against the Eagles, Luton’s boss maintains that Hashioka is prepared for his complete Premier League debut…

Luton manager Rob Edwards expressed confidence in giving Japanese international Daiki Hashioka his first start in the Premier League as the Hatters prepare to face Crystal Palace. Hashioka, 24, joined Luton during the January transfer window and took some time to acclimatize to English football, including recovering from a minor hamstring injury. He made his debut appearance as a substitute against Manchester City in the FA Cup and later played a significant role against Aston Villa, showcasing versatility by starting on the left side of a three-man defense. Edwards praised Hashioka’s readiness both physically and mentally and highlighted his adaptability to different positions along the defensive line, providing valuable depth amidst injury concerns.

Despite initially being signed as a right wingback, Hashioka’s performance against Villa demonstrated his ability to excel on the left side of defense. Edwards acknowledged the gamble of deploying him in an unfamiliar role but was impressed by Hashioka’s tactical understanding and disciplined approach. With injuries to key defensive players, including Mads Andersen and Dan Potts, Hashioka’s versatility is seen as a significant asset for Luton’s remaining fixtures. Edwards also mentioned the possibility of switching to a back four formation if necessary, emphasizing the team’s flexibility in adapting to different tactical situations.