Eddie Nketiah has received plenty of praise from Oliver Glasner, despite a difficult season since making the switch from Arsenal to Crystal Palace.
The striker was on the search for more game time last summer, having largely played a squad role for Mikel Arteta.
With that in mind, Nketiah left Arsenal to join Crystal Palace in a permanent deal that would offer that opportunity.
In the months since, though, the Hale End academy graduate has struggled with just one Premier League goal to his name and a handful of starts.
The former Arsenal star could look to haunt his old club when he returns to the Emirates Stadium, with a big match coming up.
Eddie Nketiah praised by Oliver Glasner before Arsenal reunion
With the Premier League title on the line in midweek, a defeat for Arsenal would seal a victory for rivals Liverpool.
Mikel Arteta will be keen to avoid that possibility, pushing the Reds all the way, but may be stopped by the returning Eddie Nketiah.
While he has struggled in the Premier League, he has shown signs of good form in cup competitions that he could bring into the match.
The numbers may not reflect it, but Oliver Glasner has been impressed by the impact of Nketiah in what is nearly his first full season with the Eagles.
The Crystal Palace boss said to the media, ahead of the clash with Arsenal: “It’s not time to sum up Eddie’s season now, but he’s so hard-working.
“Sometimes I feel a little bit sad for him, personally, when I see all his effort. For example, Newcastle, he comes on when we’re 5-0 down. It’s the worst situation you can have as a player.
“I had this once in my career, and I didn’t really like it. He had two or three chances. At the end, he could score, and then he slipped.
“It looks like, sometimes, things don’t go well for him. But I spoke to him afterwards, because I see him every day working.
“There will come a day when he gets paid for all his effort. For me personally, it feels like they didn’t come now until now.
“We still have some great games to play, and maybe this day, when he gets the payback for all his effort, will come soon.”
While that day could come soon for Nketiah, Arsenal will certainly be hoping it doesn’t come against them.
Eddie Nketiah’s record since leaving Arsenal
Nketiah has had something of a frustrating season, but it could still end in glory.
The striker, along with his Crystal Palace teammates, has their eyes firmly focused on the FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa.
A place in the final to win the oldest cup competition is up for grabs, where Nketiah could still make a timely impact for himself.
So far this season, those moments have been few and far between, with just the five goals scored across all competitions.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 5 | 2 |
Nketiah’s moment is still waiting, with the former Arsenal star still capable of making himself a hero at Selhurst Park.
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