Patrick Vieira unlocking potential of key Crystal Palace attacker

Patrick Vieira has outlined how Eberechi Eze has risen to the challenge which he set the attacking midfielder after becoming Crystal Palace manager in July 2021.

After joining the Eagles from QPR two years ago, the Greenwich-born Eze has become an indispensable part of the SE25 outfit, despite missing almost six months due to injury in 2021.

Vieira has tasked him with playing further forward, getting in the box, being more decisive and scoring more goals.

“Since I joined the club I knew his potential,” said Vieira.

“I was watching games and seeing his ability with the ball but, at the same time, he needed to do some work on the other side of the game.

“He wants to learn, he wants to grow and he wants to improve himself. I really enjoy working with him. We show him images and do individual work on the field. He’s taking information on board when he’s on the field. He has the ability to score more goals to affect the game more than what he’s been doing previously.”

Eze’s work under Vieira, combined with the guiding hand of the experienced 29-year-old Wilfried Zaha, has seen Eze impress this season.

It has left him on the cusp of being named in Gareth Southgate’s initial maximum 55-name squad list for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which had to be submitted to FIFA by today.

“If he keeps playing like that, his name going to be on the table and then Gareth has to make the decision,” said Vieira about the possible England nomination for the 24-year-old, who is one of the most successful dribblers in the Premier League this season and with two goals and two assists so far this season has already surpassed his totals from last season.

“Just for his name to be to be mentioned, it’s good for him,” added the Palace boss about the possible World Cup spot for Eze, who has represented England at U20 and U21 level previously. “He’s really stepping up his game and it is the right time for him.

“At the football club, he’s been really good. Ebs loves playing football.

“With the long injuries that he had, he worked really hard to get back to his best and he’s scoring goals and making assists.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD