Crystal Palace talisman Eberechi Eze feels he is hitting his peak for the run-in after a mixed campaign.
The 26-year-old took his season tally to 17 goal contributions and levelled his output from last term with two assists against rivals Brighton on Saturday.
Despite matching his return with eight league games remaining, Eze’s role in the Palace side has shifted from goalscorer to creative focal point, demonstrated by his numbers turning on their head.
In his first full campaign under Oliver Glasner, the attacker has provided 11 assists and chipped in with six goals. Whereas last season, his figures were goal-heavy, scoring 11 and assisting six.
Greenwich-born Eze looks set to increase his goal involvements from last term, albeit he has scored only two league goals from an xG of 6.40, the biggest underperformance in the Premier League (-4.40).
However, his campaign has taken an upward trajectory since netting his first international goal for England in the March international break, picking up four goal contributions (one goal and three assists) in his last three matches.
(Image: PA) After assisting both of Palace’s goals in Saturday’s chaotic 2-1 win over Brighton at Selhurst Park, Eze detailed his varied campaign.
“It’s been a bit of a weird season, up and down, which is just how football goes sometimes," Eze said.
“I’ve picked up a few injuries here and there and struggled to get a bit of rhythm.
“It's good to be playing now, I’m feeling a bit more free and getting stronger and stronger each game.
“I'm trying to improve and be better than I was last season. I’m getting to where I think I am performing – still not at my best – but it’s building. There’s more to come.
“I’ve got into my rhythm. Gaining some more strength game by game and enjoying football. It's important for me to be playing and feeling good. Long may it continue.”
GO FURTHER
The Eagles have reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup while going well in the league and sitting only five points adrift of the predicted European places with a game in hand of eighth-placed Fulham.
Eze feels his side are in a special moment and highlighted that they have a lot to achieve during the run-in.
“It's definitely special. We've got a lot to achieve this season. We believe that we can do it and the mentality is to keep going and keep pushing to see what we can get.
“The boss is happy with us. He's given us loads of praise because it's not easy to do what we're doing. Credit to him and his staff for giving us everything we need to keep on pushing forward.
“He's an ambitious guy – he and his team want to achieve and to do well. He's pushing us every single day and we are working to achieve something.”
(Image: PA) Last season, Palace clawed back a ten-point deficit to finish above rivals Brighton in the Premier League.
With the Eagles only four points behind the South Coast side with eight games remaining, Eze shared that finishing above Fabian Hurzeler’s side is not a consideration.
“We’re not focusing on them. It was important to win and to beat them twice in a season – that’s not been done in a really long time.
“So, that was important for us. Now, it’s about taking it game by game and seeing what we can get to. We’re positive that we can keep winning games.”
The England international has built a strong bond with Jean-Philippe Mateta in the three years they have shared at the club, with the duo assisting each other 12 times in the Premier League (Eze 10, Mateta 2), the most of any Palace pair in the competition.
“JP is a big player for us,” said Eze. He's scored loads of goals and effects games and we need him to do that. I enjoy playing football with him – he’s a top player and a top guy.
“I just enjoy playing with him. You know where he's going to be, you know his strengths. We've built a good relationship over a few years now.”
(Image: PA)
Thomas Tuchel was in attendance at Selhurst Park for the third time in his England tenure. Eze confirmed the Three Lions boss reached out to let him know he would be watching on before reflecting on his first international goal against Latvia.
“He messaged me before the game. He’s making an effort to reach out to players over the course of the season, not just when we're in camp. It’s good.
“Scoring was a great achievement for me and my family. To be in that position and score for England is definitely something that's been on my list. I'm grateful to do it. The aim is to continue working hard and get more of that.”
