BREAKING NEWS: Throughout the whole 90min I could not breathe because of Him, despite my strength He still overpowered me,This is my first time of facing such player this season”, Crystal Palace striker Mateta reveals the ONE Man United player that really gave Him tough time yesterday – Not Dalot and Not Leny Yoro
In what turned out to be a gripping contest at Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta has sung the praises of Manchester United defender Mathias de Ligt following their recent match, where the Red Devils emerged victorious with a scoreline of 2-1. Despite the loss, Mateta was particularly impressed with de Ligt’s commanding performance at the back.
The match began with a high tempo as both teams showcased their attacking prowess. Crystal Palace took the lead early on, igniting hopes of a home victory. However, Manchester United responded swiftly, with goals from Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford flipping the match on its head. It was the defensive resilience of United, led by de Ligt, that ultimately kept the Eagles at bay and ensured the team’s crucial three points.
After the final whistle, Mateta, who played a vital role for Palace throughout the match, took a moment to acknowledge the impact of de Ligt on the game. “I have to give credit where it’s due,” Mateta said during the post-match interview. “Mathias was exceptional today. He read the game brilliantly and made some crucial tackles. It felt like every time we tried to break through their defense, he was there to block our path.”
Mateta, known for his physicality and goal-scoring capabilities, often found himself marked closely by de Ligt. The Dutch international’s ability to anticipate plays allowed him to nullify many of Palace’s attacking threats. Mateta added, “He’s a top-class defender, and you could see why Manchester United invested in him. He’s not just strong; he’s also very intelligent in his positioning.”
De Ligt joined Manchester United in a high-profile transfer, and this match was a testament to why the club brought him on board. His partnership with fellow defenders established a solid foundation for United, allowing them to withstand pressure from Palace, particularly in the first half when the home side was in full flow.
Critics often highlight the importance of a strong defense in match situations, and Mateta echoed this sentiment. “Defenders often don’t get the credit they deserve,” he stated. “In this game, de Ligt was the reason why we couldn’t find our rhythm in the attacking third. There were times when I thought I had space, but he would just close in so quickly. It’s a tough job, but he makes it look easy.”
The match not only served as a challenge for Crystal Palace but also as a learning experience for Mateta and his teammates. “We’ll take the positives from this,” he said. “We fought hard, and there are lessons to be learned when facing top teams like United. We can build on this performance and come back stronger.”
In a league filled with fierce competition, clashes against established teams like Manchester United are crucial for any player’s development. The respect Mateta showed towards de Ligt reflects the high standards expected in the Premier League. With praise from opponents like Mateta, it’s clear that the young defender is making waves and solidifying his reputation in one of the toughest leagues in the world.
As Crystal Palace prepares for their next fixtures, Mateta’s words might inspire his teammates to push harder, knowing that their efforts do not go unnoticed—even in defeat.
