Oliver Glasner handed a first start to a summer signing for Crystal Palace against Fredrikstad on Thursday night.
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Crystal Palace forward Eberechi Eze may not have been on the pitch for Europa Conference League action against Fredrikstad on Thursday night but the atmosphere under the lights at Selhurst Park felt like a fond farewell party.
The England international is set to complete a £67.5 million transfer to Arsenal on Friday, bringing about the end of an era in south London. However, as the Eagles recorded a first ever European win against the Norwegian side, it looked as if a new star was born.
That came in full-back Borna Sosa. The 27-year-old was handed his first start for Crystal Palace having been afforded just 11 minutes in the FA Community Shield so far.
Crystal Palace signing turns in purring Europa Conference League performance
The defender was deployed in the left wing back slot with Tyrick Mitchell dropping to the bench and had Crystal Palace supporters purring thanks to his efforts. Despite having been at the club just a number of weeks, Borna Sosa was heavily involved in Oliver Glasner’s tactics and looks to have all the abilities to be a vital player this term.
The full-back was more daring with his runs forward than Mitchell, not afraid to find himself drifting across the pitch and letting play carry him to find involvement in moves. Borna Sosa was important on set pieces too, showing off a dangerous long throw, as well as taking corners and free-kicks.
While there was no goal or assist for the player on Thursday evening, that is surely just a matter of time. The defender constantly got his head up and looked to cross early, firing just over the bar himself in the second half after Jean-Philippe Mateta fired the ball across goal.
Spurs and Chelsea miss out on £3m coup
Borna Sosa, who was signed from Ajax for a measly £3 million, looks an all-action defender. While it’s too early to suggest he can go on to cultivate the sort of reputation that Eze did, he’s a new player in the Crystal Palace ranks who can drum up excitement.
The thoroughly impressive first start will come as a blow to Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. Both London sides are also known for their attacking full-backs and, according to The Mirror, were targeting the player this summer.
The Blues have splurged huge sums already this window and are now having to sell before they buy, while Spurs’ miserly attitudes have seen then miss out on stars such as Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White. The prospect of signing a player who looks this good for just £3 million will surely be seen as a huge missed opportunity for those sides - but their loss is Crystal Palace’s gain.
In other news, Chelsea axe £60m star from squad amid Arsenal, Newcastle United and Aston Villa links.