Roy Hodgson could finally hand Matheus Franca his full Crystal Palace debut in the FA Cup clash against Everton.
The 76-year-old certainly sounds ready to give the 19-year-old his first Crystal Palace start based on comments made in Wednesday’s press conference.
So, what did Roy Hodgson say about Matheus Franca? Let’s take a look…
What Roy Hodgson said about Matheus Franca
Well, the man from Croydon has not exactly used the Brazil U20 international often since his £26m move from Flamengo in August.
Hodgson has handed Franca just 44 minutes of Premier League football across five appearances, all of which came as a substitute.
Now – however – the South American could finally make his full debut for Crystal Palace.
Speaking about the Brazilian on Wednesday, Hodgson is quoted by The Athletic as saying: “That’s two months I have had to work with him, see him and realise what a talented player Doug Freedman has found.
“We’re going to see plenty of him. The fans and the club will like him and appreciate his play. Doug told me about this signing and his decision to bring him to the club was made before they asked me to come back — (Freedman) said he’d need a bit of time to adjust, acclimatise and that’s been the case, but he has adjusted and acclimatised.
“Now we have to give him his opportunity and see what he can do.”
Hodgson also told the South London Press that Franca and Naouirou Ahamada are “serious contenders” to start against Everton, saying: “Let’s just say they’re serious contenders but I don’t want to say more on that for the moment – I don’t want to do Sean’s (Dyche) job for him.”
Matheus Franca must start for Crystal Palace
With Michael Olise injured and Jordan Ayew now at the Africa Cup of Nations with Ghana, Franca surely has to start the FA Cup clash against Everton.
If the Crystal Palace No.11 misses out once again, it will be hard to take Hodgson’s words seriously going forward.
