How ‘phenomenal’ Crystal Palace gem with only two starts could thrive under Oliver Glasner
Crystal Palace are preparing to unveil Oliver Glasner as their new coach, with the manager having the opportunity to unlock the potential of some of the club’s best talents.
It’s an exciting time for Crystal Palace, who are preparing to announce their decision to hire former Eintracht Frankfurt manager Oliver Glasner as Roy Hodgson’s successor.
The primary focus at the club at present is of course the wellbeing of the 76-year-old, who was taken ill during a training session on Thursday to the concern of all associated with Palace and beyond.
As the veteran manager prepares to welcome some well-earned rest after enduring a difficult time during his second stint at Selhurst Park, change is set to take place on the pitch.
It has recently been reported by renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano that the Austrian is set to take charge of the squad as early as Tuesday, the day after Palace’s fixture against Everton.
The Eagles face a trip to Goodison Park on Monday night in what looks to be Hodgson’s final game in charge of the squad.
After speculation linked both Steve Cooper and Julen Lopetegui to the Palace job, it’s Glasner who will be appointed and he arrives with an attractive CV.
In 2022, the Austrian won his first piece of European silverware, claiming victory in the Europa League final at Frankfurt by beating Rangers on penalties.
While having a European trophy to his name is impressive, it’s his dynamic playing style that could wow Palace fans, with one player in the squad having the ability to transform under the new manager’s regime.
After arriving in the Premier League from his boyhood club Flamengo in the summer, Matheus Franca has had a slow start to life in England.
Injury was a contributing factor to the Brazilian’s stalling start at Selhurst however, now the 19-year-old’s career could come to life at Palace.
At Frankfurt, Glasner’s favoured formation was a 3-4-2-1 set-up, seeing him utilise his attackers narrowly as opposed to building play in the wide channels, which would see a significant switch of play to the current squad.
Such formation could work well for Franca, who having only played 426 minutes since arriving at the club, is still adapting to the physicality of the Premier League.
In Brazil, the teenager thrived in a more central role for Flamengo where he was able to showcase his “phenomenal” talent, as he was once lauded by U23 scout Antonio Mango.
Franca’s ball-carrying ability could see him thrive in Glasner’s preferred set-up as he did in his homeland, where his average of 3.09 successful take-ons per 90 saw him rank in the top 8% of players in leagues comparable to the Brazilian Serie A, via FBref.
It would be well-received for the new manager to utilise the talent of the teenager, who has shown glimpses of just how positive his play could be when he’s fully settled in south London.
