Eberechi Eze promises there is plenty more to come from him after excellent display – and first Palace goal

Eberechi Eze reckons the best is yet to come after his standout display in Crystal Palace’s 4-1 win over Leeds.

The summer signing from QPR scored his first goal for the Eagles with a superb free-kick and it was his corner which Scott Dann headed home for the opener on Saturday.

Saturday’s superb set-piece strike was also Eze’s first-ever Premier League goal. He joined Palace from QPR in August in a deal which could eventually reportedly rise to £20million.

Eberechi Eze for Crystal Palace vs. Leeds:

100% tackles won
87% passing accuracy
59 touches
9 ball recoveries
5 tackles (most)
4 interceptions (most)
3 fouls won
2 shots
2 chances created
1 goal
1 assist

A breakthrough performance. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/SxtYgJF2Le

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 7, 2020

The Greenwich-born playmaker, released as a youngster by Millwall, would normally have had plenty of family and pals in the crowd. But elite football is taking place behind closed door due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It’s a great moment for me and a proud moment for me and my family,” said Eze. “I’m grateful to God that it’s come and hopefully it’s the first of many.

“To be fair I normally give people a headache for tickets because so many people want to come – my mum, my dad, my two brothers, my sister, my girlfriend and all my friends. Everyone loves to come to games. Unfortunately they can’t be there, along with the other fans, but hopefully soon.”

Thank you God!!! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/u7XeToXxWm

— Ebere (@EbereEze10) November 7, 2020

Eze was fouled on the edge of the box by Robin Koch and stepped up himself to whip the ball over the Leeds wall and past Illan Meslier.

“We practise them quite a bit – quite a few of us are always out there working and trying our best to get better,” he said. “I’m grateful to God it’s gone in today. I thought it went a bit high but somehow it came back down.”

Eze is still bedding in to SE25 life and Saturday was only his third top-flight start for the Eagles.

Asked how much more is to come from him, he replied: “It’s only the start. We’re working hard. I’m learning a lot and I’m growing as a player – that’s the most important thing.

“As long as I keep learning and keep pushing and working with the guys around me…it’s a great opportunity for me.

“We’ve started [the season] well and it’s important to just keep it going – keep working hard and not let up.”

Palace were clinical on the counter attack against Leeds.

“We’ve got lots of attacking players who are willing to run and willing to get on the ball and play,” said Eze. “I’m just thankful to have the type of people around me who can help and provide as well, which is important.”