Sport
Eberechi Eze is ready to challenge for more trophies
It will be remembered as the biggest goal in Crystal Palace’s history, and it was a goal that illustrated everything that is great about Oliver Glasner’s team. It took the Eagles just nine touches in 13 seconds to go from one end of the pitch to the other, and when the ball fell to Eberechi Eze inside the box there as no doubt he would finish.
All the key components of the Palace set up were involved. Jean-Philippe Mateta held up the ball to get his team up the pitch. Daniel Munoz got down the right side to deliver a cross into the box. But Eze is a difference-maker like no other in blue and red and this is something he has underlined in recent weeks.
Indeed, Eze’s FA Cup final winner to clinch Crystal Palace’s first-ever piece of major silverware was his sixth goal in his last five matches. While the 26-year-old hasn’t had the most consistent of seasons, he has peaked at the right time to achieve history. In Glasner’s system, Eze is crucially important as an attacker with freedom.
Eze is clearly ready to win more trophies. He is operating at the peak of his powers and has shown the level he can reach by making an impact for England. The 26-year-old could be an important figure for Thomas Tuchel’s team at the 2026 World Cup where the Three Lions will be among the favourites to go all the way.
It could be the case that Eze needs to leave Selhurst Park to fulfil his potential. Crystal Palace won the FA Cup for the first time in their 119-year history on Saturday, but are still a long way from the upper echelons from the Premier League. A player of Eze’s quality should have a platform in the Champions League.
Glasner’s possible departure this summer raises questions over the future of the Eagles. The Austrian coach has been strongly linked with the RB Leipzig job and could return to the Bundesliga having achieved success there with Eintracht Frankfurt in the past. Adam Wharton has also been linked with a summer transfer.
At 26, Eze is at a juncture in his career. He has possibly achieved all that he can at Crystal Palace and might have to move on in order to collect more titles. Liverpool, for example, could be in the market for a new attacking midfielder who can occupy the space behind a central striker. Eze would fit the bill.
Manchester City have been linked with the likes of Florian Wirtz, Tijani Reijnders and Morgan Gibbs-White as they look to replace Kevin De Bruyne. For the right price, Eze would be a shrewd addition to Pep Guardiola’s squad, particularly if Jack Grealish is to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer. Eze can play in a wider position too.
Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with Eze in the past. Of course, the North London outfit might not be the best club for Eze to join considering their long wait for a trophy, but Ange Postecoglou’s team will face Manchester United in the Europa League final this week. Spurs could be back in the Champions League next season.
Palace could continue to build around Eze. Even if Glasner leaves, the club will be in Europe next season. They have given themselves a platform to build on. The managerial position would be an attractive one and Eze could be at the centre of the Eagles’ next generation. One way or another, the FA Cup winner deserves to enjoy more days like the one he experienced at Wembley on Saturday.
