Crystal Palace midfielder Jefferson Lerma is earning significant praise in Colombia, with former national team player Vladimir Marín highlighting his importance in an interview with Gol Caracol.
The comments reinforce Lerma’s standing ahead of the 2026 World Cup, even as he fights for more consistent minutes in the Premier League.
Marín noted that Colombian fans often focus on stars such as Luis Díaz, James Rodríguez, Juan Fernando Quintero and Richard Ríos, but he argued that Lerma plays a central role in Néstor Lorenzo’s system.
Speaking to the outlet, he said: “The players everyone talks about are the ‘stars’, but there is a fundamental one who gives this team balance, and that is Jefferson Lerma. With his character, intensity, reading of the game and positioning, he brings stability. He is a cornerstone. He is superb on and off the pitch.”
Lerma remains a key option for Colombia in a holding role, and Marín praised his consistency during recent friendlies, including the 4-0 win over Mexico and the draw with Canada.
He believes the national team sit in a strong position in qualifying and carry high expectations for the next World Cup.
Marín also addressed Colombia’s brief dip in form earlier in the campaign. He said the team “went through a normal phase” but recovered well and now look solid, mature and balanced as the tournament approaches.
The remarks underline Lerma’s status back home at a time when he continues to work for greater involvement at Crystal Palace, keeping him firmly in the spotlight for club and country.
