Jean-Philippe Mateta has impressed for Crystal Palace since Oliver Glasner arrived at Selhurst Park in February 2024. The striker has scored 34 goals and registered five assists from 71 matches under the Eagles manager.
Last season, Mateta managed 17 goals and four assists for Crystal Palace. He has four goals to his name this season.
The 28-year-old was also part of the France squad that won silver at the Paris Olympics in 2024. However, he’s yet to make his debut for Les Bleus, but that could change soon.
Didier Deschamps has included the Crystal Palace star in the list for October’s matches.
Ouest-France have relayed comments made by the national team manager on Mateta being called up for the first time. Deschamps has also made it clear to the attacker what he needs to do to retain his place in the France squad.
“He has to do what he knows how to do, as naturally as possible. He’s a central striker with specific characteristics; he’s used to scoring goals, whether with his club or the Olympic team,” he said.
“It’s a big moment for him; he’ll be involved, like the other 22 players, in the matches we have. Yes, there’s competition and some absentees, but I can’t complain about having a lot of players who can legitimately claim to be on a list of 23.
“If they’re all fit, the choices are more difficult. Let him come with his enthusiasm and his qualities. He knows most of the players. He doesn’t have to seduce me; that’s not how it works.”
Mateta needs to impresses to maintain hope of representing France at the World Cup.
The Frenchman has the perfect platform at Crystal Palace, where he’s been leading their attack.
