Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta has received high praise from BBC football pundit Troy Deeney after his stunning brace secured a 2-2 draw against Leicester City on Saturday.
Mateta’s impressive performance, which included a last-gasp penalty in the 92nd minute, denied the Foxes their first Premier League win since returning from the Championship.
Deeney, writing for the BBC, hailed Mateta as “an absolute joy to watch” and included him in his Premier League Team of the Week. “He was a beast and a real threat,” Deeney said. “Big, powerful, and obviously scored the decisive goal to get them back on track.”
The Frenchman’s double rescued Palace from a two-goal deficit, courtesy of Jamie Vardy and Stephy Mavididi’s first-half efforts.
Mateta’s Resurgence
Mateta’s impressive display comes after a goalless start to the 2024/25 campaign. However, his breakthrough 2023/24 season saw him finish with 21 goal contributions in 35 Premier League outings, ending the year as Palace’s top scorer.
The 27-year-old has been an integral part of Palace’s attack since joining in January 2022, making 111 appearances across all competitions, scoring 33 goals, and registering seven assists.
“Mateta’s pace, power, and finishing ability make him a nightmare for defenders,” Deeney added. “He’s a game-changer, and Palace’s hopes of climbing the table rest heavily on his shoulders.”
Contract Talks on the Horizon
According to the Sunday Mirror, Palace are considering offering Mateta an improved deal to extend his stay at Selhurst Park, with his current agreement expiring in less than 24 months.
Mateta currently earns £50,000 per week, making him the joint-10th top earner at the club, per Capology.
Palace and Leicester Still Searching for First Win
Both Palace and Leicester remain winless after four matches, occupying 15th and 16th spots in the table, respectively.
The Eagles will hope Mateta’s resurgence sparks a turnaround in their fortunes, starting with their next outing.
Manager’s Verdict
Palace manager Oliver Glasner praised Mateta’s impact, saying: “Jean-Philippe is a vital player for us. His goals changed the game, and we’re delighted to have him.”
Glasner will be eager to see Mateta replicate this form consistently, especially with the club’s newfound reliance on him following Michael Olise’s departure to Bayern Munich.