Jean-Philippe Mateta vs Matthijs De Ligt
Jean-Philippe Mateta signed for Crystal Palace on January 21, 2021, for a €3 million loan fee with an additional €15 million optional buy-out clause.
Mateta struggled initially at Palace, managing only six league starts in the 2022/23 season.
However, during the 2023/24 season, the French striker’s fortunes turned around.
With Oliver Glasner replacing the sacked Roy Hodgson as Crystal Palace coach, Mateta was reinstated as the starting number 9.
He ended the season with 16 goals, earning Crystal Palace’s Player of the Year award.
Mateta also played a key role in France’s run to the final in the Olympic Games, scoring 5 goals for his country.
Manchester United will need to devise a plan to neutralise him.
With Mateta’s size and aerial ability, Matthijs De Ligt will need to rise to the challenge.
This is well within his capabilities.
De Ligt won 100% of his aerial duels against Southampton, while also scoring his first goal for the club.
If De Ligt can win his battles against Mateta, United could push higher up the pitch, cutting off Palace’s out-ball.
This would force Palace to play out from the back, giving United the chance to win possession in advanced areas and create opportunities through quick transitions.
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