Super Eagles target Eberechi Eze has thrown a subtle jab at former Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira for not giving him freedom to express himself compared to interim manager, Roy Hodgson, under whom he has flourished.
Eze who scored a brace to take his tally of the season to 10th goal in 36 appearances on Saturday in Palace’s 2-0 win over Bournemouth had struggled under Vieira this season scoring just four goals in his first 27 games has scored six goals in eight games played under Hodgson. He had scored just five goals in 40 games under Hodgson’s predecessor Patrick Vieira.
Speaking on his new found form, Eze hailed Hodgson for the freedom he’s been given which has in-turn made him better, “I just feel like I am more free, he [Roy Hodgson] has given me licence to run at people. Under him I do my best to positively affect the games.”
Former Leeds and Everton striker Jermaine Beckford has hailed the midfielder’s performance in recent games calling him a ‘special player’ believing that with a top striker in their ranks next season, they can push for a place in Europe.
“Eberechi Eze, this guy is unbelievable! His all-round play was absolutely brilliant. All Palace are lacking is an out and out number nine, a goalscorer, and they would be pushing for Europe.”
Eze’s teammate Michael Olise also made history with the club after becoming the first player to record 10 assists in a single Premier League season for Crystal Palace, surpassing Wayne Routledge in 2004/05 and Wilfried Zaha in 2016/17 (both 9).
