By Sam McGuire
All three players are having the most prolific seasons of their careers in the English top-flight.
However, the fact these players are performing so well has meant a few attackers have gone a little under the radar in the Premier League this term. One such player is Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Many wondered if the Crystal Palace attacker could replicate his 2023/24 form for the Eagles. The 27-year-old scored 13 goals in the final 13 games of the season under Oliver Glasner to end the campaign with 16 goals to his name. It was a career-high return in one of the top five European leagues. He did once score 19 in Ligue 2 during the 2017/18 season.
It seemed to be a bit of a purple patch. Was it going to be another Jesse Lingard on loan at West Ham type spell? Maybe the 2024 version of Michu, where everything he touches just seems to result in a goal?
It did look as though that might be the case too. Mateta started the 2024/25 campaign with four goals in 19 appearances for the Eagles. He’s since scored 10 in 14 in the English top-flight. His last goal in the Premier League was a delightful effort against Arsenal. He capitalised on a William Saliba mistake and floated an effort over David Raya and in off the underside of the crossbar.
“When I started on the bench, I watched the first half. He [Raya] was very high, so I knew if we won the ball high, I could try – so I did, and scored!,” Mateta said to Sky Sports after the match.
“Yes [it’s one of the best goals of my career]. I was scared when the ball hit the crossbar, and I just waited – and after the ball goes in.”
He followed that up with an assist in the FA Cup semi-final win. He did miss a penalty in that game, with his effort striking the post, but it was still an impressive showing from the Palace No. 14. The former Mainz man claimed an assist, won the most duels (seven) in the match, and created two chances for the Eagles, proving himself to be troublesome for Villa. He also completed 100% of his attempted dribbles at Wembley.
His turnaround in form under Glasner has been nothing short of remarkable. Since the Austrian tactician arrived at Crystal Palace in February 2024 only Alexander Isak (33), Erling Haaland (31) and Mohamed Salah (31) have scored more Premier League goals than Mateta (27).
Former Palace forward Clinton Morrison says the reason for these numbers is because of the backing the one-time Bayern Munich managerial target has given his centre-forward.
“I remember speaking to Dougie Freedman, the [former Palace] director of football, and he said ‘he’s a talent, he just needs a run of games’,” Morrison said.
“Glasner has given Mateta confidence, if a manager comes in and tells you ‘you’re playing week in, week out’ and you’re not going to get dragged off after 60 minutes [it will give you belief]. He’s been a revelation, the goal is fantastic, that is a centre-forward in great form.”
It hasn’t all been straightforward though. For example, Mateta was hauled off at half-time against Manchester City recently with Glasner unhappy with the forward’s first-half showing.
“It was a tactical decision to sub Mateta,” Glasner revealed. “Now, I have to say it was the wrong decision. Not taking him off, but changing the formation to a 3-5-2. We wanted to control the midfield more, but it didn’t work.
“Subbing him wasn’t a mistake, he can do better than he did in the first half. He lost too many duels and balls. That’s why we decided to change something. The mistake I made was to change the system, not subbing JP.”
Neither appears to hold a grudge though. Glasner has Mateta back in his team while Mateta continues to perform well.
His form hasn’t gone unnoticed. Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on his situation. Mateta has just 12 months left on his deal at Selhurst Park and despite the club wanting to extend his contract, there could be a move on the cards this summer. Manchester United are also believed to be interested as they look to reshape their attack under Ruben Amorim.
Why wouldn’t they be? They need a reliable goal threat. And Mateta is exactly that. He ranks eighth for Expected Goals in the Premier League this term and ninth for goals.
Mateta has an xG per 90 of 0.45 in the top flight for the Eagles from a relatively low shots average of 2.28. In a better team, creating more chances, there’s no reason he couldn’t scale his output.
In a summer in which the likes of Isak (£120million) and Hugo Ekitike (£65million) could be moving for huge money, Mateta could be one of the bargains of the transfer window if a team manages to pry him away from Palace.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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