'We did our homework': Manager says new signing from Arsenal is 'very smart' after scoring first goal
Yesterday at 12:15 PM
Eddie Nketiah finally left Arsenal this summer with the England international joining London rivals Crystal Palace.
The 25-year-old attacker has needed a move for some time with Nketiah proving he can lead an attack in the Premier League after years of impressing at Arsenal yet never being given a real shot to make the striker position his own.
Yet things are set to change with Nketiah already making a positive impact at Palace, with the forward last night scoring his first goal for the Eagles in their 2-1 League Cup win against Queens Park Rangers.
And manager Oliver Glasner has now given his early verdict on Nketiah’s impact at Palace.
Glasner impressed with Nketiah’s Crystal Palace start in new position
Speaking to the press after last night’s win, Glasner was full of praise for Nketiah, who started as a no. 10 for the south London side at Loftus Road in a performance that won praise from the likes of Jurrien Timber and Emile Smith Rowe.
Although Nketiah is viewed by many as a clear-cut striker, the England international is showing that he’s more than just a marksman, and Glasner seems to be impressed with what he’s seen from the striker already.
Glasner said about Nketiah’s performance: "You can trust that we did our homework before signing him. When you watched Eddie playing at Arsenal, he played as a No. 9, but he is very involved in the games, he is not an [out-and-out] No. 9.
“He is very smart at finding space, can play the line, can play No. 10, can make runs in behind. Eddie showed it before he joined us, he's a guy who can score goals. It was a [matter] of time before he scored his first, and I'm sure it won't be his last."
Nketiah is really starting to find his feet at Palace already
Few Arsenal fans would have predicted Nketiah to play in a deeper attacking position given how suited the forward was for the striker position during his time at the Emirates Stadium.
Yet being coached by Glasner and being tested out in a new position is proving to be a smart move for Nketiah, who is already looking like a natural fit at Selhurst Park this season.
With Nketiah now off the mark for the season, the England international could now begin to find the back of the net more regularly, with the attacker still at his best when it comes to finishing.
