At a Glance
- Crystal Palace face Leeds
- Strand Larsen now faces competition from Mateta
- Glasner suggested they could partner up
Jorgen Strand Larsen didn’t expect to be competing for the number nine berth with Jean-Philippe Mateta when he signed for Crystal Palace. The Norwegian joined on deadline day last month and became the most expensive signing in the club’s history.
The Eagles forked out £48m to sign Strand Larsen from Wolverhampton Wanderers, a decision that was still made despite Mateta failing a medical ahead of a proposed move to AC Milan.
Mateta was set to join the Serie A giants in a £30m deal only for a knee issue to surface and the Rossoneri to pull the plug. He returned to Selhurst Park and spent weeks on the sidelines before returning in a 0-0 draw against AEK Larnaca midweek.
Strand Larsen needs to shine
Mateta’s return is a problem for Strand Larsen, who will be eager to lead the line at the focal point of Oliver Glasner’s attack for the remainder of the season. He is now looking over his shoulder at a French forward who will be eager to reclaim a starting berth.
Strand Larsen has made a promising start with three goals and one assist in eight games across competitions, but he has yet to establish himself as an undisputed starter, and with Mateta back, games like today’s against Leeds United could be vital.
The 26-year-old will likely start, given his fellow striker has only just recovered from a lengthy knee injury, and if he comes to the fore, he might expect to continue as Glasner’s first-choice centre-forward.
Mateta received a mixed response from fans when he came on in the second half against Larnaca. The approach the 28-year-old took to trying to secure a January exit didn’t sit well with a large portion of the Holmesdale End.
The Frenchman will be chomping at the bit to prove he is still the main man when it comes to firing Palace to success, and a return to Glasner’s starting lineup for the rest of the season will be his main priority.
It could take two
There is a chance that the Eagles boss decides to use the pair as a front two, given recent comments. He suggested that having two target men up top is a “good option.”
Mateta’s future remains in doubt despite his failed move to Milan, and that might be factored into the decision, although Strand Larsen seems to be the long-term starting number nine.
Strand Larsen should be relishing the challenge of keeping Mateta out of Glasner’s team and spearheading the assault on the Europa Conference League. A positive display against Leeds could go a long way in determining that he remains the man for the job.
