Jean-Philippe Mateta is currently away on international duty with France, with his fine form for Crystal Palace earning him his first call up.
Jean-Philippe Mateta is set to earn his first cap for France in this month’s international break, after the Crystal Palace man’s fine form over the last two years landed him in Didier Deschamps’ side.
It’s been a long time coming for the 28-year-old who scored 16 Premier League goals in the 2023/24 season, 14 in the 2024/25 season, and has two in seven games so far this time round.
His fine form over the last few years at Selhurst Park has made him one of the Premier League’s most prolific strikers, with some pundits even suggesting that Mateta would be the perfect signing for Man United.
Photo by Franco Arland/Getty ImagesJean-Philippe Mateta potentially hints at Crystal Palace exit
Speaking to RMC Sport whilst away on international duty, Mateta has spoken about the calibre of players he’s currently away with: those include names like former Palace player Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappe and more. And Mateta says the company on international duty is inspiring him to play at the highest level and win the biggest trophies.
In a potential hint towards a future Crystal Palace exit, Mateta explained: “It’s natural, every ambitious player wants to reach that milestone. Especially when you arrive in the national team and around you, there are only players who play in the Champions League, who win the biggest trophies. When you play surrounded by the best players in the world, naturally you want to reach that milestone.”
Although Crystal Palace are playing European football and flying high in the Premier League, Mateta is surely giving a nod to names like Olise and Mbappe here, and the levels at which they play, potentially hinting that he too wants to secure a move to one of Europe’s elites in the future.
Didier Deschamps’ warning to Jean-Philippe Mateta
For all the goals he’s scored in recent seasons, Mateta can still be wasteful, as he was in Crystal Palace’s last game against Everton.
Mateta had a poor game against Everton missing two big chances to score, leaving him with seven for the season which is currently more than any other player in the Premier League.
Speaking from international duty, Deschamps has urged Mateta to step up for France this week, saying: “So this is a big moment for him. Let him come with his enthusiasm and his qualities. He knows most of the players because he’s seen (them) in the younger teams too.
“It’s not about winning me over. That’s not how it works. (He has to prove himself) in the team, in training and during matches.”
France play Azerbaijan and Iceland in World Cup qualifiers this week, on the 10th and 13th of October respectively.
Expect Oliver Glasner to have a keen eye on Mateta’s games for France and on how he reacts to that Everton display last weekend.