There has been a brief update on Matheus Franca for Crystal Palace fans to digest after the Brazilian made his Premier League debut.
The information comes from Alex Howell of BBC Sport.
So, what is the latest on Matheus Franca at Crystal Palace? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, some Crystal Palace fans are eager to see more of the South American after his exciting cameo in Saturday’s 4-0 defeat to Newcastle.
Supporters were able to catch a glimpse of Franca in Tuesday’s Premier League International Cup win over Monaco at the VBS Community Stadium, in which he scored the opener as the Under-21 side won 3-1.
Now – however – Crystal Palace fans may have to wait a while until we see the £26m signing start under Roy Hodgson.
Discussing Franca’s performance in the aforementioned win over Monaco, Howell said: “The winger showed flashes of quality as he took on his full-back and showed good feet, but it is understood that it will be a period of time before he is having a big impact on the first-team picture.”
The BBC journalist actually used to work at Crystal Palace from 2017 to 2019, so you would expect this information to be accurate.
Crystal Palace are right to be patient with Matheus Franca
While Howell’s update might disappoint a few fans, it is sensible.
Franca has only just returned from a niggling back injury, and the last thing Steve Parish and Hodgson want is for the 19-year-old to suffer a setback.
Injury aside, the teenager is also a young man playing his football in a new country for the first time ever – in the Premier League of all divisions, arguably the toughest in Europe.
Therefore, patience must be afforded to Franca both mentally as well as physically.
Hopefully, it won’t be too long until Crystal Palace feel the Brazil Under-20 international is ready to go straight into the starting XI.
