Palmer, Latibeaudiere partnership begins to blossom

While fans were left disappointed with the result after Jamaica’s scoreless draw against Cuba in the Concacaf Nations League, there were glimpses of a new possession-minded midfield surrounding the ‘silent’ partnership between Kasey Palmer and Joel Latibeaudiere.

Palmer and Latibeaudiere are no strangers to each other, the duo having played together for years at both international and club levels.

Palmer, who made his international debut in 2021, often joined forces with Latibeaudiere who joined the national team a year later.

The duo were a regular presence for Coventry City before Palmer’s recent move to Hull City, and they also briefly linked up at Swansea City in the 2020-21 season.

Palmer explained their familiarity has built a strong partnership to the point they are able to create combinations in the midfield without calling for the ball.

“Obviously, we played at the club level for a few years, and at Swansea as well, so Joel knows what I’m good at and I know what he’s good at,” Palmer stated.

“I think the balance is always good because we know what each other wants. He knows when I want the ball without me calling for it, and I know he’s always going to be there.

“It’s a good partnership because I’ve gotten to play with him at club and now at the international level as well, and I enjoy playing with him,” he continued.

The duo were active in the middle of the park on Friday night, combining regularly for the Boyz with Palmer taking a more attacking approach to complement Latibeaudiere’s defensive capabilities.

Palmer got a few attempts at goal, with his best chance coming within 10 minutes of the game. A series of passes allowed him some space in the box but his effort went just wide of the upright.

He believed the team was unfortunate to not get the win on Friday, as he felt, on another day, the game would have ended in a comfortable win for Jamaica.

“I think it comes down to the first touch. On another day, maybe one of the shots would have gone in or I pass the ball or wide, a cross goes in and we score a header. It’s just one of those things where it’s frustrating that the goal didn’t come, but I think everything else is as good as it could have been.”

Palmer will be hoping for a better result when Jamaica take on Honduras on Tuesday.

The Central Americans lead Group B of League A competition having defeated Trinidad and Tobago 4-0 in their opener on Friday.

The match is set for a 9 p.m. kickoff at the Estadio Nacional Chelato Uclés.