Adam Wharton reveals secrets behind his impeccable passing that has made him a target for Europe's top clubs as Crystal Palace star looks to pile more  misery on Liverpool in Carabao Cup

Adam Wharton has lifted the lid on his passing techniques as he attempts to guide Crystal Palace past Liverpool in Wednesday night's Carabao Cup encounter.

Palace's midfield visionary is well known to Liverpool, the Premier League champions are among his biggest admirers, and he is fast attracting more with every game.

The effortless manner in which Wharton so often controls the midfield area and sets his forwards in motion means the 21-year old is high on the shopping lists of Liverpool, Real Madrid and Chelsea as they plan ahead for next summer.

Bayern Munich and Tottenham have been rebuffed in attempts to prise him from Selhurst Park while both Manchester clubs are also among his growing list of fans.

The key, is the simplicity and calmness Wharton brings to the pitch. 'I try and spot the play I'm going to make before I take possession,' says Wharton, who plays with his head constantly swivelling, scanning the space around him. 'So, then I don't have to think too hard when I get the ball.

'But I'm always looking to make a forward pass, if possible, try and help the team get up the pitch and create chances. Sometimes I've already seen it from looking, other times I just improvise.

'If I know what I'm going to do before I get the ball it's harder for the opposition to win the ball off me or read it if they don't have time to get there, so, if I've already seen the play, I can move it as quickly as possible.'

Chief benefactor in recent months has been Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta whose six goals this season have earned him a call-up to the France national side.

Wharton recognises the big centre forward's preference is for the ball to be played so he can run in behind defences. And, having played in a more attacking role as a boy growing up, Wharton likes to deliver his pass with a message.

'The weight and the execution, sends the message in the pass,' he says.

'If I'm playing in behind (the defence) then pass it into the space, obviously, the message is to run onto it. If I'm fizzing it in hard, then the message is to take a touch, or if I roll it into space maybe message is to pass first time or shoot. Hopefully, overall, the message is 'I've made it easy for you, now finish it off'!

'JP makes a lot of runs in behind. So, if I see him make that run, my aim is to give it him in the space so he can run on and maybe hit it first time or as soon as possible. If it's to feet, then deliver it nice on the floor to either his left or right foot to try and tell him which way to turn or set.'

Wharton, who was something of a YouTube sensation with the skill videos he and his school friends used to post, now has his sights set on Champions League football and impressing Thomas Tuchel enough to make England's World Cup squad.

The Wilpshere Pirlo, so named because of the village near Blackburn where he grew up, can expect a new contract offer soon from Palace. The club intend to offer improved terms with the possible caveat of a release clause as Champions League suitors gather for the super chilled youngster.

Palace understand that after winning two trophies under Oliver Glasner, he has ambitions and the capability to go even higher.

'There is no end goal,' Wharton told the Men in Blazers Network. 'It's just keep going, going and going until I can't go any more and hopefully by then I've played at the highest level possible.

Just to be as successful as possible. That's the aim.'