Aaron Barnes

Eberechi Eze has been a revelation for Crystal Palace. A unique talent with a distinct ability to glide past players, every motion with an indescribable amount of poise. He is unquestionably the most iconic player to adorn a Crystal Palace shirt. 16:46 on Saturday, 17th May will never be forgotten, as the young lad who joined from QPR five years prior made the unthinkable happen. When Eze signed for Palace, he manifested: “I hope to entertain you, and I hope you enjoy me as much as I enjoy you.” Five years of being kept on the edge of their seats followed for the Selhurst Park faithful, although the start of the journey saw supporters restricted to the confines of their living rooms due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A stunning free-kick against Leeds earned him his first goal in red and blue. Who could have predicted the glory that followed? Everyone will always remember that masterful performance against Sheffield United, when he drifted from inside his own half to the edge of the Blades’ penalty area before drilling low into the corner. He has learned, developed, and evolved into a top-class player at Palace. It has not always been smooth: dropped by Vieira, and do not forget his Achilles injury. But he carried himself with grace throughout. Although everyone connected with Palace wished they had seen more of it, the times he shared on the pitch with Michael Olise were ones to savour. When Olise departed last summer, Eze was forced to shoulder even more of the creative mantle. Despite struggling for the first half of last season, Eze showed his marvellous quality when it mattered - a goal for England against Latvia, making him the first Palace player to score for the Three Lions in 49 years, seemed to turn his season around. 25 goal contributions in all competitions last term, only eight of which came before the turn of the year. Palace are not only losing a first-rate footballer, but an exemplary character - loved by the fans, community, and dressing room. Born in Greenwich, he represents South London, a humble and grounded character whose purpose is to give back via his foundation, which creates opportunities for children from the capital who may have typically been overlooked. Two pieces of silverware in his final months at the club feels a fitting end for the FA Cup-winning goalscorer. Now, he will get his last dance as Palace embark on their first-ever European campaign. The perfect way to bid farewell to a great. #CPFC