France icon Thierry Henry has lauded Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta with plenty of praise ahead of the 2024 Olympics.
The striker found some immense form towards the end of the previous Premier League season, bagging nine goals in the last seven games.
Impressive performances from Mateta saw the Selhurst Park outfit pick up momentum under Oliver Glasner, with free-flowing football that caught the eye too.
Those displays couldn’t quite earn the 26-year-old a place in the France squad for Euro 2024, but it did result in a call-up of sorts.
Both Mateta and Michael Olise received a call to play for France at the 2024 Olympics, with Henry set to manage the home nation.
The former Premier League star has discussed his squad selection, which led to plenty of praise for one Crystal Palace star in particular.
What Thierry Henry said about Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta
With several rejections for the Olympics squad, Henry has discussed the players at his disposal over the summer.
One of those is Mateta, who has come in for plenty of praise from the former Premier League star in a press conference.
Speaking about the striker, he said: “He’s an old-fashioned striker, you can play a little more direct. He can keep the ball.
“He’s a boring striker to play against, he doesn’t lose the ball much, and he goes at the last defender.
“He uses his physicality, he’s good with his head, and he scores. It’s important that a striker like that gives you another dimension.
“He was also voted Player of the Year at Crystal Palace. It seems to me that he’s not too bad.”
It’s high praise from a star who has been a generational talent during his playing career at the very top level.
Many Palace fans may be hopeful that Mateta can learn an extra thing or two from Henry in his time at the Olympics.
Jean-Philippe Mateta transfer future
Following an impressive end to last season, Crystal Palace star Mateta has been linked with a transfer switch to Napoli.
With just two years remaining on his deal at Selhurst Park, questions will have to be asked of his future soon.
Should the Frenchman enter the final 12 months of his deal, it may be tough to keep him at the club while any value for a sale would likely decrease too.
Therefore, offering a deal in the coming months is an option that must be considered when it comes to security within the squad and the transfer market.
An impressive spell with France at the Olympics could only heighten his reputation and add more focus to his eye-catching form.
