Taking Palace to FA Cup final, Eze looks ready for next step

Eberechi Eze Shines Ahead of Crucial Summer

Eberechi Eze is playing like he knows summer is pivotal. After a slow start, the Crystal Palace attacker has scored five goals in nine games. His latest goal was crucial. It was a stunning strike from the edge of the penalty area. This helped Palace win 3-0 over Aston Villa in the FA Cup semifinal.

This victory sets up an FA Cup final against either Manchester City or Nottingham Forest next month. If these are Eze's last games for Palace, winning a trophy would be fitting. Many fans would understand if he moved to a top Premier League team.

In English football, success at clubs like Palace often leads to interest from bigger teams. Eze’s performance against Villa highlighted his potential. Winning the FA Cup could also secure Palace a spot in the UEFA Europa League.

However, Eze might aim higher than that. Aston Villa came to Wembley after losing narrowly to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarterfinals. This shows that Eze belongs at that level too.

Last summer, close friend Michael Olise left for Bayern Munich. Olise has been key for Bayern, who lead the Bundesliga table now. This should give Eze confidence about making a similar move.

Eze demonstrated his skill recently against Arsenal with a volleyed goal off the post. His goal against Villa was even better and came during a tight match. Ismaïla Sarr passed to him on the edge of the box under pressure from defenders.

Instead of taking a touch, Eze shot across Emiliano Martínez into the net. The goal sparked wild celebrations among Palace fans, but Eze remained calm and composed afterward.

"I saw the opportunity to shoot," he said after the match. "I always try my luck and take shots." He expressed gratitude for scoring and helping his team.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner praised Eze's finishing ability as well as his work rate. He noted that they practice these situations frequently in training sessions.

Eze not only scored but also won a second-half penalty that Mateta missed. He tirelessly chased down Villa's Cash throughout the game before being substituted late on.

Even then, he jumped off the bench to celebrate when Sarr scored again in stoppage time. Despite competition from teammates, Eze was named man of the match as Palace reached their third FA Cup final.

The previous two finals ended in defeats to Manchester United in 1990 and 2016. With players like Eze on their side, this time could be different.

"We have shown performances like this all season," he stated confidently. "We’re not worried about facing anyone."

Whether this is Eze's last season at Palace remains uncertain. Manchester United has noticed his success as a forward in Glasner’s system, which is similar to Ruben Amorim’s tactics.

He has also caught attention from Manchester City after scoring there earlier this month. Three of his four league goals have come against top teams: City, Chelsea, and Arsenal.

As he approaches his 27th birthday with two years left on his contract, this summer will be crucial for him. Leading Palace to their first major trophy will surely attract more interest from top clubs across Europe.