Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes Crystal Palace will post a threat during the weekend’s Premier League clash and labelled Eberechi Eze a “really good” signing, speaking to the Reds’ website.
It may be a step too far to suggest the 22-year-old has transformed Palace alone into one of the division’s most watchable sides. But such a statement is certainly not a million miles wide of the mark.
Eze, a £16 million signing from Queens Park Rangers, has struck up a glorious partnership with Wilfried Zaha at Selhurst Park.
And it’s no coincidence Christian Benteke appears to have rediscovered some form with the London-born playmaker pulling the strings behind him.
Crystal Palace were the last team to beat Liverpool on their hallowed Anfield turf more than three years ago and Eze’s dazzling displays have given the underdogs a glimmer of hope as they look to repeat the trick at Selhurst Park.
“Very, just because of the talent of the group,” Klopp said when asked if he has been impressed by a Palace side that battered West Brom 5-1 and claimed points against Tottenham and West Ham recently,
“If you go through the ranks, the strikers they have in the squad. Zaha and Benteke, on the bench at the moment is (Andre) Ayew, who was one of the main players last year, and (Michy) Batshuayi.
“They have made a good signing with Eze. (He’s a) really good, talented boy (who) gives them the freedom to put Zaha a little bit higher up the pitch.”
In an era obsessed with figures and statistics, Eze’s subtle talents verge on the unquantifiable.
In 12 matches, the England U21 star has two assists and one goal – that sublime free-kick in the 4-1 thrashing of Leeds United.
But, as Liverpool may discover on Saturday lunchtime, Eze shouldn’t be defined by numbers and spreadsheets.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
