September 18th 2024.
Crystal Palace's newest addition, Eddie Nketiah, has made an impressive start to his time with the club, scoring his first goal in their recent Carabao Cup win against Queens Park Rangers. However, it seems that the 25-year-old won't be playing in his usual striker position, as manager Oliver Glasner has revealed that the tactical decision to play him as an attacking midfielder was planned from the start.
Nketiah, who joined the Eagles from Arsenal in a record-breaking deal, showed his sharpness and ability to find the back of the net in his debut against Leicester, and has continued to impress in his new role behind striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. Fans may have noticed the change in Nketiah's position, but Glasner assures that it was a well-thought-out move and that the team did their research before signing the talented player.
The manager explains, "When you watch Eddie play at Arsenal, he played as a nine, but he was very involved in the game. He's not just waiting for the ball, he's constantly looking for space and making smart decisions. He can play as a nine, as a number 10, and even in a 4-4-2 formation, he can play around the striker." It's clear that Nketiah's versatility and understanding of the game has been a valuable asset to the team.
Glasner also mentions Nketiah's excellent partnership with fellow midfielder Eberechi Eze, who assisted his first goal for Palace and went on to score the winning goal against QPR. Eze has been a key player in convincing Nketiah to join the Eagles and has high praise for his new teammate, stating, "He's a top player, and if you put him in the right places, he's going to finish. I'm sure many goals will come after this."
While Nketiah may have to wait for his first Premier League goal for Palace, as Mateta's impressive form means he is likely to play in a deeper role, the young striker has shown his ability to adapt and make an impact in any position. Fans will be eagerly waiting to see more of Nketiah's talent on display, and he will be hoping to continue his goal-scoring form when the Eagles face Manchester United in their next match.
It's been a long wait for Nketiah, who last scored a goal in December, but with his first goal for Palace under his belt, there is no doubt that many more will follow. And with the support of his teammates, fans, and manager, Nketiah is poised to have a successful season with his new club.
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