Patrick Vieira says he can ‘count on’ Crystal Palace attacker who sacrifices himself for the team

Patrick Vieira has praised the way that Jordan Ayew sacrifices himself for Crystal Palace.

Our paper reported today [Friday] that Ayew is set to earn a new contract that will keep him with the South Londoners until the end of the 2023-24 season.

Ayew, who joined on a permanent deal from Swansea in 2019 after a season-long loan, has made 47 appearances in all competitions under Vieira since he became Palace boss at the start of last season.

The Ghananian, 31, also extended his stay over the summer, penning a one-year extension to take him into this season.

“When you look at Jordan’s performances for the football club since I have been here [they show] that he is a player I can count on,” said Vieira.

“What I mean is that he is a team player – he has got the experience of the Premier League. For a club like us, to have a player like Jordan, it’s a plus.

“In every football club, you have a Jordan Ayew that the manager loves to have in the squad. He is the type of player who will always put the team first before himself. 

“His attitude has been fantastic in training, in games, and off the field. I don’t have any doubt that Palace fans show and give him the love that he needs.

“It’s just you guys [the media] who make judgements on players whether they score and assist.

“Of course, it’s an important attribute of the game as well, but there is the other side of the game. For us as a football club, it is really important that players sacrifice themselves for the team.

“I want him to score more goals and to be more decisive. But the balance he gives to the team and the way he works out of possession allows us to perform.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD