Crystal Palace fans have not seen much of Matheus Franca since his move from Flamengo in August.
The Brazil Under-20 international has only made two Premier League appearances so far having initially struggled with a back injury.
Unfortunately, both of those displays have been somewhat stained by negative comments from Roy Hodgson in the post-match interview.
However – according to Dean Jones – there is still a lot of optimism surrounding Matheus Franca at Crystal Palace…
What’s the story?
Well, the respected journalist claimed that Crystal Palace think they have a gem in the South American.
It was also said that the Eagles hold very high hopes for the 19-year-old.
Jones told Give Me Sport: “I think he’s ready to be let off the leash. He’s waiting for his big moment. When we get to see him, I think it could be the beginning of something special because there are high hopes for Franca. He’s a huge talent and one who had been coveted by some massive clubs, who were interested in signing him. Crystal Palace did well to get him in the end.
“He’s just got to try to stay levelheaded and calm because Palace know that they’ve got a gem here that they’re ready to uncover.”
Matheus Franca could be about to explode at Crystal Palace
As aforesaid, it has not been easy for the teenager so far at Crystal Palace.
Franca has dealt with an injury, criticism from Hodgson and also the pressure of a £26m price tag.
Now – however – we think the Brazilian could be about to explode into life at Crystal Palace.
Franca is fit, Ebere Eze is back in action and Michael Olise is also set to return imminently, so we should be able to set up a bit more expansively now and drop the likes of Jeffrey Schlupp.
With the next four outings coming against Everton, Luton, West Ham and Bournemouth, there is a real opportunity for Franca to announce himself in the Premier League – hopefully, that turns out to be the case.
