‘We will see the best Ebs soon’ – Palace boss Glasner on Eze’s lack of goals
BY ALEX PEWTER
Having been away from the Crystal Palace side for three matches through injury, Eberechi Eze found himself starting three games in a week on his return.
Ahead of the club’s next match with rivals Brighton and Hove Albion tomorrow, there is the backdrop of his goalscoring troubles, where he has been held to a single goal in his 12 appearances, his lowest return in a season since joining the club in 2020.
Given those struggles and the added pressure of being a key attacker for the team, Oliver Glasner was asked about his approach with Eze.
“Ebs and I, we talk quite often. After my daughter, I think he’s the one I’m talking to most – more than my sons. Jokes aside, I like him, and he’s a great guy, and he’s coming back from injury.
“Having the start to this season, as I’ve mentioned quite often – his disallowed goal [against Brentford], and other chances, something can happen in your mind, and then getting the injury.”
Yet, Glasner was quick to credit the attacking midfielder’s speedy return to the squad.
“The diagnosis was he was out for six weeks and was back in four – this shows his mentality. He wanted to play after three, so we decided to wait another week. Then he’s started all three games after his injury.
“There were a lot of talks between him, me, and the doctor. Can we risk it without a higher risk [of re-injury] whilst managing the minutes? So, he’s had a very good week, and I’m pretty sure we will have no worries about seeing the best Ebs soon. He will score many goals for us because he has the quality and the right mentality – I’m quite comfortable [of that].”
As a possible consequence of that form and a change in leadership with the national side, Eze missed out on England selection after being part of the Euro 2024 squad and featuring in the first two games under Lee Carsley.
“We didn’t talk about England when he wasn’t called up. That was in October, and in November, he was injured. Life isn’t always straight upwards – sometimes it goes in waves, with ups and downs, and it’s how you deal with it.
“He has all our support, and with his ambitions and his working attitude. His next chance is at Brighton, and there’s no secret that he will start again.”
PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD