Eze is on course for England call, says Clyne

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 2 min read

Former Liverpool defender Nathaniel Clyne has been seriously impressed with the quality that his new Crystal Palace team-mate Eberechi Eze has displayed since his move to Selhurst Park.

Eze, who signed for Crystal Palace for £16 million from QPR last summer, has scored three and assisted three in the Premier League since his move from the Championship. His low centre of gravity and technical proficiency has impressed team-mates, fans, coaches and pundits alike.

After contributing to 22 Championship goals last year, Eze came to Palace with great expectations on his shoulders and the hope that he’d ease the attacking burden off Wilfried Zaha. It’s fair to say he’s done this.

Speaking to Stadium Astro, Clyne revealed his thoughts on Eze’s start to life at Crystal Palace: “He’s adapted to the Premier League very well. He’s been a great addition to the club.

“He’s a very talented player, very confident on the ball, always wants the ball. You can see his ability, he can run at players, he can find a pass and he’s got an eye for goal and he’s quality with set pieces as well. He’s an all-round top talented player.

“He’s got his own identity, his own qualities. He’s definitely going in the right direction to becoming a very, very top player. With him playing week-in, week-out here at Crystal Palace he’s going to improve and hopefully he can continue to do the best he can for us.”

Will Eze be called up by England?

When asked whether he could see Eze getting into the England senior squad, Clyne replied: “He’s playing for England U21s now and if you see the England first-team there’s always youngsters coming through so if he continues the run of form that he’s in, I wouldn’t be surprised that he does get a call-up for the first-team and go onto making tournaments in the future.”

With 14 England caps to his own name, Clyne knows what it takes to get a call-up but his belief in Eze’s talent is unquestionable.

Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Mason Mount and James Maddison are all currently competing for a spot in Gareth Southgate’s side, so competition for places is certainly high. But if Eze can build upon his promising debut Premier League campaign with a strong season in 2021/22, then who knows what could happen in the future..