Eberechi Eze Names Eddie Nketiah as Crystal Palace’s Most Underrated Player
Crystal Palace’s star midfielder Eberechi Eze has sparked intrigue by naming Eddie Nketiah as the most underrated player in the Eagles’ squad, a choice that has caught many by surprise. Eze, fresh off his FA Cup final heroics where he scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory over Manchester City, praised Nketiah’s contributions, which often fly under the radar.
Nketiah, who joined Palace from Arsenal in a £30 million deal last summer, has faced scrutiny for his inconsistent goal-scoring form. Despite this, Eze highlighted the 25-year-old striker’s relentless work rate and versatility. “Eddie’s effort is unreal,” Eze said in a recent interview. “He’s always moving, creating space, and fighting for the team. People don’t always see the dirty work he does, but it’s massive for us.”
The former Arsenal man proved Eze’s point in Palace’s recent 4-2 Premier League win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he scored twice, taking his league tally to three for the season. His brace, coupled with Eze’s late solo goal, sealed a memorable victory as Palace celebrated their FA Cup triumph. Nketiah’s movement and link-up play with debutant Romain Esse were pivotal, showcasing his ability to influence games beyond just scoring.
Many expected Eze to name a less prominent squad member, perhaps a defensive stalwart like Marc Guéhi or a rising star like Adam Wharton. However, his choice of Nketiah reflects the striker’s growing importance under manager Oliver Glasner. Despite competing with Jean-Philippe Mateta for a starting spot, Nketiah’s persistence has earned him respect within the squad.
Nketiah’s journey hasn’t been easy. After struggling to secure a regular role at Arsenal, his move to Palace was seen as a chance to prove himself. While his seven goals and three assists in 36 appearances this season may not scream prolific, his tireless running and ability to press defenders have added a new dimension to Palace’s attack.
Eze’s endorsement could be a turning point for Nketiah, who is often overshadowed by Palace’s flair players. As the Eagles prepare for their final match against Liverpool and a Europa League campaign, Nketiah’s underrated qualities might just shine brighter, proving Eze’s unexpected pick spot-on.
