- Crystal Palace face Fiorentina
- Olvier Glasner pleased for Jean-Philippe Mateta
- French striker has returned to form
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has hailed Jean-Philippe Mateta ahead of his side’s Europa Conference League second-leg clash with Fiorentina. The two sides meet at Artemio Franchi Stadium tonight (April 16th).
Mateta has been back amongst the goals as of late, including in the incredible 3-0 win over the Italians in the first leg. The Frenchman scored from the penalty spot to open the scoring on the night.
The 28-year-old then added another two in a 2-1 comeback win over Newcastle United on Sunday. That included a last-gasp winner as he well and truly put the controversy of a failed move to AC Milan in January behind him.
Glasner: Mateta is Great
Mateta’s recent performances have put fans back on his side after his approach to securing an exit earlier this year. But Glasner never stopped supporting his French frontman.
Glasner spoke ahead of tonight’s game about the player’s ability and his character. He said in his pre-match press conference:
“I’m pleased to have him back and closer to his best fitness. He’s not 100 percent but he’s coming closer and closer. He’s a lovely person first and foremost and a great footballer.”
Mateta has appeared 39 times across competitions this season, posting 13 goals and two assists. It’s not certain he will start against Fiorentina tonight as he is battling Jorgen Strand Larsen for the number nine starting berth.
World Cup Aspirations
The French striker is dreaming of heading to the World Cup with France this summer. He has earned three caps to date, scoring two goals for Didier Deschamps’ side.
Mateta’s chances of going to North America for the biggest international tournament improved this week. Liverpool striker unfortunately ruptured his Achilles tendon in a 2-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
Deschamps is reportedly considering three options to replace Ekitike in his squad for the World Cup. Mateta is one of them, although he isn’t the favourite to take the vacant spot.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Randal Kolo Muani is the likeliest choice despite underperforming in the Premier League this season. He has more international experience, which may be the thinking behind turning to the PSG loanee rather than the Palace man.
Mateta will, for now, be focused on trying to fire the Eagles to Conference League glory. His future still isn’t certain despite his resurgence, as he will have just one year left on his contract this summer.
