Jean-Philippe Mateta, the 26-year-old Crystal Palace striker, has seen a remarkable transformation in his playing career this Premier League season. Under the guidance of manager Oliver Glasner, Mateta has netted 10 Premier League goals, with nine of these goals coming off his weaker left foot. This noteworthy accomplishment highlights his adaptability and sharp shooting skills. Since Glasner took over, Mateta's contribution has been substantial, making him a crucial asset to the team's success.
Mateta's performance under Glasner has been nothing short of prolific. He has started 35 out of 37 Premier League games since Glasner's appointment, scoring a total of 23 goals during this period. This scoring streak has elevated Mateta to a distinguished status, surpassing renowned players such as Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins and Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo. His ability to seize scoring opportunities has significantly improved, with his shots now worth an average of 0.24 expected goals, a notable rise from the previous 0.14.
In addition to his goal-scoring prowess, Mateta has also excelled as a playmaker, setting up seven goals for his teammates this season. His contributions have been pivotal in earning Crystal Palace 14 points since Glasner took charge. Notably, Mateta’s "old-fashioned" style of play, as described by Thierry Henry, emphasizes traditional striking capabilities that prioritize positioning and physicality over flair.
Despite being primarily left-footed, Mateta has scored only three of his Premier League goals with his head. This demonstrates his versatility and skill in finding the back of the net through various means. His ability to get into scoring positions is reflected in the fact that he is receiving three times as many big chances per 90 minutes under Glasner’s management. This increase in opportunities has been facilitated by his exceptional off-the-ball movement.
"He makes so many runs where he doesn't get the ball," remarked Oliver Glasner, highlighting Mateta’s relentless work rate and commitment to creating space for himself and his teammates.
Mateta's consistency in reaching double figures for Premier League goals this season is further evidence of his development into a top-tier striker. His total tally of 34 Premier League goals underscores his growing reputation as one of the league’s prominent forwards. The majority of these goals have been scored with his left foot, showcasing his precision and confidence in using what was once considered his weaker side.
His remarkable scoring record under Glasner not only reflects Mateta’s individual talent but also the effective tactical strategies implemented by the manager. Glasner’s emphasis on exploiting Mateta’s strengths has led to a significant increase in goal-scoring opportunities. This strategic alignment between player and coach has been instrumental in Crystal Palace’s competitive performance in the league.
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