Former Nigeria national team captain John Mikel Obi believes Crystal Palace quartet Adam Wharton, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Eberechi Eze and Ismaila Sarr have played themselves onto the radar of “bigger teams” after impressing in the Eagles’ FA Cup triumph over Manchester City, Footynaija.com reports.
Crystal Palace’s emphatic 3-0 win against Aston Villa in the semifinals of the FA Cup seemed like a massive statement of intent from the Eagles, going into the final.
Despite arriving at Wembley for the final as underdogs, Oliver Glasnar’s Palace held their own against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to emerge 1-0 victors courtesy of a lone first half strike from Eze.
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What Mikel Obi said
Speaking about the game on his Obi One Podcast, Mikel, who tasted FA Cup glory on four occasions with Chelsea, singled out four Palace players for praise after they played a vital role in delivering a first ever trophy for the Eagles.
“This is the story we like to see when we talk about the FA Cup and the Carling Cup,” Mikel said.
“The smaller teams winning those trophies is good for English football, and for Crystal Palace to have done it is massive. I don’t think they’ve ever won a major trophy in football.
“It’s a brilliant achievement for everyone involved, and again, to Oliver Glasner for the way he’s built that team. You have the likes of Adam Wharton in the midfield, a fantastic young player.
“Everyone’s waxing lyrical about him, and it’s no less than he deserves. He’s good on and off the ball. He thinks in a way that helps the team get forward, and he sets up the attack for the lethal three forwards they have in Mateta, Eze and Sarr.
“Mateta was brilliant against City, holding up the ball and bringing Sarr and Eze into play. They played well, defended really well.
“Haaland didn’t get a sniff, and that’s credit to how they play. They’ll be lucky to keep these guys next season, especially Eze, because I think the big boys will be knocking at the door.”
Following their FA Cup exploits, the Eagles have booked a first ever appearance in a European competition with UEFA Europa League football now guaranteed ahead of next season.
