Dan Cook has been speaking on the HLTCO podcast about how he believes Eberechi Eze can replace Conor Gallagher next season for Crystal Palace.
Palace beat top-flight competition to the signing of Conor Gallagher last summer, and the midfielder has shone at Selhurst Park, with his performances earning a 7.26 WhoScored match rating in the Premier League.
Will Palace keep Gallagher beyond this season?
Yes!
No!
Gallagher has started all but four games this season in the league, with two of them being against his parent club Chelsea, but his impressive displays have seen last season’s star Eze shunned to the sidelines even when he’s returned from injury, with just one league start to his name this campaign.
Despite a clear lack of starts and minutes for a player of his ability, Cook is confident Eze can replace Gallagher when the midfielder returns to his parent club in the summer.
He said: “I’m pretty sure we will be in the market for reinforcements across the side. If we are going to lose Conor Gallagher, of course, we need to examine a potential for that attacking midfield role.
“Although, there is a hope and a chance that Ebere Eze will just slot into the gap that is left by Conor Gallagher’s departure given his return from injury and that fantastic performance he put in against Everton in the FA Cup quarter-final.”
TIF Thoughts on Ebere Eze…
Eze was an instant hit at Selhurst Park last season in his debut Premier League campaign, but a cruel injury brought his season to a premature end and he has never been able to get back into the starting lineup consistently under Patrick Vieira.
While Gallagher has been outstanding this season for Palace, with the most pressures, most goal contributions and ranking second for goals per shot, Eze was a top performer for the Eagles last year with four goals and six assists, while also creating the most goal-creating actions per 90 minutes in the league (FBRef), so it’s obvious why Cook has belief in Eze’s ability going forward.
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