Patrick Vieira wants to ‘rely’ on Crystal Palace attacker this upcoming season

Patrick Vieira says Crystal Palace have to rely on Eberechi Eze to produce consistent performances this season.

Eze has played as the main creative outlet in the midfield during pre-season and picked up two assists in the final test – a 4-2 win against Montpellier – before the Premier League campaign commences on Friday. He also scored the opener in the 3-0 win against Championship side QPR.

Greenwich-born Eze was drip-fed minutes last season as he recovered from a spell on the sidelines following the serious Achilles injury he suffered before the penultimate game of the 2020-21 season. 

He featured 19 times – 10 of which were starts – in all competitions and picked up a goal and assist last season.

Conor Gallagher’s performances whilst on loan with the Eagles saw him become an England international, but the 22-year-old headed back to Chelsea at the end of the season to fight for his place in Thomas Tuchel’s side.

“Conor is not here,” explained Vieira of Gallagher’s presence potentially being missed.

“He’s been fantastic, but you see today that Ebs will bring us something different but quality as well. 

“I’m really happy with the way he’s been training and what he did in the game today. He will bring us something different but something as good as what Conor gave to us. 

“We may have to change one or two things [with the formation], but Ebs is a fantastic player. 

“He creates chances and scores goals – things happen with him on the field. We have to rely on him the way we do with Wilfried, Jean-Philippe [Mateta] or Odsonne [Edouard] up front.”

MAIN PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD

EZE PICTURE: ROB AVIS