‘Old-fashioned’ – Thierry Henry outlines Crystal Palace striker’s qualities ahead of Olympic Games

Thierry Henry has outlined why he has called up Jean-Philippe Mateta to France’s Olympic squad ahead of the 2024 summer games.

Arsenal legend Henry – boss of the France U21 side and consequently their squad at their home Olympic Games this summer- named Mateta in his provisional list for a training camp this month.

Mateta scored 19 goals and picked up five assists in 39 appearances in all competitions for the Eagles last season.

The 26-year-old has been named in the squad alongside Palace attacker Michael Olise.

“He’s an old-fashioned striker – you can play a little more direct. He can keep the ball,” said Henry, who netted 175 goals in 258 Premier League appearances.

“He’s a boring striker to play against! He doesn’t lose the ball much, and he goes at the last defender. He uses his physicality, he’s good with his head, and he scores.

“It’s important that a striker like that gives you another dimension. He was also voted Player of the Year at Crystal Palace. It seems to me that he’s not too bad.”