Kevin Gonzalez: Crystal Palace's midfield gem, aged 17, has been already dubbed 'little jewel' in his homeland Colombia

Crystal Palace’s blossoming attacking midfielder has been called up to the Under-17 squad for the South Americans.

Less than two years ago he was invited to train with England’s Under-15s.

Gonzalez, just turned 17, was born in England but his Latin heritage which stems from his father, means he is eligible to play for either country.

And both are taking a keen interest in his progress.

To have two major associations tracking your progress at such a young age is a major plus on the teenager’s CV which is already starting to sparkle.

Similar in style to midfield greats Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, Gonzalez ploughs a furrow from end to end of a pitch and times his runs to arrive late in the box to grab a goal.

Though number 10 is the stylish youth’s favoured position he can also sit back in a more defensive role.

It is this versatility which helped see him crowned Crystal Palace’s academy player of the year last season.

A high point for the ambitious youngster who has been with his club for eight years was facing Chelsea in the Floodlit Cup semi final when one side of Selhurst Park was full – big stuff for a rookie.

Palace through and through he was their academy player of the year last season and his skills make him an instant draw to fans.

Maybe it is the South American blood but Gonzalez loves a trick move and once scored from 30 yards after wrong footing an opponent on a run from inside his own half.

Spotted playing for Lambeth Tigers, he joined Palace aged eight and is now a mainstay of the academy.

He is one of the most highly-prized kids coming through the ranks of Crystal Palace – the club that produced Wilf Zaha of course.

Palace coach Robert Quinn told the club's website: “Kevin is a wonderful technician and can do things with a ball that astound us all in the academy.

"He has been here for a number of years since he was eight years old and is a pleasure to coach and to work with.

"The opportunity he has had to play with the older age groups has helped make him become stronger in terms of physically and also with his mentality and we look forward to seeing his progression in the No10 shirt in the years to come."

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