Eberechi Eze is Crystal Palace’s most important player, and the Premier League barely notices.

While Cole Palmer and Bukayo Saka hoard the headlines, a quiet genius orchestrates from Selhurst Park’s shadows. Eze’s output rivals the elite, yet his name seldom graces top-tier analysis. That needs to change.

The numbers that refuse to be ignored

Last season, Eze ranked in the top five for dribbles completed per 90 among Premier League midfielders — ahead of Phil Foden and James Maddison. His 11 goals and eight assists came from a team that finished 14th, not challenging for silverware.

Compare his creative output: only Kevin De Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes created more chances from open play. Eze does this without penalties or set-piece duties, purely from open play. His expected assists (xA) placed him among the league’s elite, but his assist tally fell short due to wasteful finishing from teammates.

Why Eze’s game is built for the modern press

Eze’s defensive workrate is underappreciated. He ranks in the top 15% of Premier League attackers for pressures per 90, a legacy of Patrick Vieira and Roy Hodgson’s system. But under Olly Glasner, his role has evolved into something more dangerous.

  • He averages 3.5 progressive carries per 90, among the league’s best — each dribble opens space for teammates.
  • His pass completion into the final third is 78%, higher than Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford.
  • He has created 27 chances from set-pieces since 2022/23 — a hidden weapon Palace rely upon.

These numbers are not flashes; they are consistency. Eze has maintained them across two managers and multiple tactical shifts.

The counter: he is inconsistent and injury-prone

Critics point to his absences: an Achilles rupture in 2021 and hamstring issues last season. But his return from injury saw immediate impact — a goal and assist in his first full game back. Inconsistency? His form dipped only when played out of position on the left wing; as a central No. 10, his output is exponential.

Another charge: he does not perform against top-six sides. False. In 2023/24, he scored or assisted against Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool. The narrative is outdated.

Verdict: Eze will be a top-six player by 2025

By the end of the next transfer window, one of Tottenham, Arsenal, or Manchester City will trigger his release clause. Palace’s refusal to sell in 2024 will prove a temporary stay. Eze will play Champions League football within two seasons, and his England recall will become permanent. Watch the market: his value will double once he leaves Selhurst Park.

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