Jean-Philippe Mateta: Crystal Palace’s Unsung Hero and His Future Prospects
A promising campaign for Crystal Palace under Patrick Vieira concluded with a respectable 12th place finish in the Premier League. While new signings such as Michael Olise and Odsonne Edouard generated excitement among fans, it was Jean-Philippe Mateta who quietly emerged as a vital contributor in the latter stages of the season. Often overlooked, Mateta’s influence steadily grew, earning him a regular starting role and playing a significant part in the team’s evolution.
Assessing Mateta’s Impact at Crystal Palace
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s second season in South London showcased much more than his goal tally. In the 2021-22 Premier League campaign, Mateta scored 5 goals at a rate of 0.39 per 90 minutes—a modest figure at first glance. However, his contributions extended beyond the scoresheet. Mateta became integral to Vieira’s tactical setup, delivering strong defensive effort and pressing from the front, attributes that distinguished him from fellow striker Christian Benteke.
Statistically, Mateta led Palace in several key attacking metrics:
– Highest expected goals (xG): 0.43 per 90
– Best combined expected goals plus assists (xG + xA): 0.54 per 90
– Only Wilfried Zaha (a penalty taker) bettered him for goals per 90 (0.46 vs. Mateta’s 0.39)
Notably, these achievements came despite Mateta’s relatively lower transfer fee compared to Odsonne Edouard, the other primary forward signed to bolster the attack.
Strengths and Playing Style: Why Mateta Stands Out
Mateta offers a blend of physical presence, mobility, and versatility across the front line, making him a valuable asset to any squad. At 6’3″, he is well-equipped to handle the Premier League’s most robust defenders, yet combines this strength with impressive ball control and effective dribbling for a player his size.
Key attributes that set Mateta apart:
– Strong pressing and defensive work rate
– Ability to operate in multiple roles across the attack
– High shot accuracy (with 48% of shots on target during the 2021-22 season)
– Effective in both creating and finishing opportunities
Under Vieira’s guidance, Mateta has progressed in adapting to demanding tactical structures and has earned trust to continue his development.
Potential Destinations: Clubs That Suit Mateta’s Profile
Though Mateta is expected to remain at Crystal Palace, his skill set makes him an appealing potential signing for several clubs across Europe. Here’s an analysis of three clubs where Mateta could flourish:
Sevilla: Adding Firepower to a Competitive Squad
Despite finishing fourth in La Liga during the 2021-22 season, Sevilla struggled for consistent goals from their strikers. Rafa Mir managed 10 league goals, while Youssef En-Nesyri added just 5. With Luuk de Jong’s loan spell ending and his overall record being modest, Sevilla may look for reinforcements.
Mateta’s physicality, mobility, and pressing fit well within Julen Lopetegui’s system, offering the team a dynamic centre-forward option. His high shot accuracy and experience playing alongside creative wingers (like Lucas Ocampos) could elevate Sevilla’s attack, while his projected value of around €8 million represents strong market value.
Borussia Monchengladbach: Boosting Attacking Options in the Bundesliga
Borussia Monchengladbach endured a disappointing league campaign, with only Jonas Hofmann providing reliable goal output and Marcus Thuram struggling with just 3 goals. Under new head coach Daniel Farke, the club is eager to rejuvenate its offensive fortunes.
Mateta could serve as the focal point up front, benefiting from the supporting play of Embolo, Hofmann, and Plea. His pressing ability and defensive work would align with Farke’s demands for a well-rounded striker. Given his price tag, Mateta presents a cost-effective solution for Gladbach to add depth and quality to their forward line.
West Ham United: The Ideal Backup—and Successor—for Michail Antonio
David Moyes has long sought a striker to support or compete with Michail Antonio, the physical frontman at West Ham United. Mateta’s profile mirrors Antonio’s, combining strength, relentless pressing, and a knack for finding the net.
In the recent Premier League season, Mateta outperformed Antonio in expected goals (xG) and goals per 90 minutes, highlighting his readiness for a bigger role. With West Ham pushing for European places and based in London, a move could be both practical and attractive for the player and club alike.
Summary: Mateta’s Value and the Road Ahead
Jean-Philippe Mateta remains one of the Premier League’s most underrated forwards, offering a unique blend of power, technical ability, and tactical discipline. Clubs like Sevilla, Monchengladbach, and West Ham have clear needs that align with Mateta’s strengths, making him a sensible transfer target should his situation at Crystal Palace change.
For now, however, Mateta is set to continue his upward trajectory at Selhurst Park. With the trust of Patrick Vieira and a clear role in the squad, the 2022-23 season could see Mateta taking on even greater responsibility—and finally receiving the recognition his performances deserve.
Why Jean-Philippe Mateta Deserves More Recognition
As discussions around Premier League talents intensify, Mateta stands out as a prime example of an underappreciated player whose contributions often go unnoticed beyond the basic statistics. Whether he stays at Crystal Palace or seeks new challenges abroad, Mateta has all the qualities required to make a significant impact at the top level for years to come.
