Jean-Philippe Mateta has taken the long road to the top — but right now, the Crystal Palace forward is performing like one of the most complete strikers in Europe.
At 28, he’s finally delivering on the promise that once made him one of the Bundesliga’s most intriguing prospects. Some doubted he’d ever adapt to the Premier League, yet Mateta’s stunning form under Oliver Glasner has made those doubts look foolish.
His hat-trick in the 3-3 draw with Bournemouth last weekend didn’t just rescue a point for the Eagles; it confirmed his transformation. The Frenchman scored twice from open play before smashing home a 97th-minute penalty — the Premier League’s first hat-trick of the season — and still left Selhurst Park frustrated after missing a late chance for a fourth. That’s the new Mateta: relentless, ruthless, and hungry for more.
The numbers behind his display were jaw-dropping. With 11 shots and an individual expected goals (xG) tally of 3.67 — the highest recorded by any Premier League player since detailed data began in 2008-09 — Mateta’s performance bordered on the absurd. Even his non-penalty xG (2.88) was the best in the division this season, showing just how many high-quality chances he generated.
From mocked prediction to France debut
The journey hasn’t been easy. When Mateta first arrived from Mainz 05 in 2021, few imagined he’d one day play for France. He even recalled how ex-teammate Wilfried Zaha laughed when he once said he’d represent Les Bleus.
Four years later, Mateta not only featured at the 2024 Olympic Games but also earned his first senior caps for Didier Deschamps’ side — and scored in a 2-2 World Cup qualifier against Iceland.
“Everything is good. We talked in private, and that’s it.” — Jean-Philippe Mateta on clearing the air with Wilfried Zaha
What once sounded like bravado has turned into a testament to his self-belief. His early Premier League years under Patrick Vieira and Roy Hodgson yielded only 16 goals across two full seasons. But since Glasner’s arrival in February 2024, Mateta has looked reborn.
Glasner’s influence on Crystal Palace and Mateta
Glasner, fresh from winning the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt, instantly built his attack around Mateta. The shift was dramatic: only 12 of the striker’s first 22 league appearances that season were starts; from the moment Glasner took over, he started every remaining match and scored 13 times in 13 games.
He’s maintained that momentum ever since. Mateta bagged 14 league goals last season and already has five in eight games this term. His shot volume and efficiency have exploded: since Glasner’s appointment, his goals per 90 minutes have risen from 0.29 to 0.66, while his shot-conversion rate has doubled from 12.6 % to 25.6 %.
| Stat (2025/26) | Jean-Philippe Mateta |
|---|---|
| Appearances PL | 8 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Shot Conversion | 25.6% |
source: Sofascore match data – 23 October 2025
The leap is no fluke. Only Erling Haaland (43), Mohamed Salah (34) and Alexander Isak (34) have scored more Premier League goals than Mateta (32) since February 2024 — and his conversion rate tops them all.
Why Mateta’s numbers rival Europe’s elite
This season, Mateta is averaging 1.01 xG per 90 minutes — behind only Haaland (1.14) across Europe’s top five leagues. He’s attempting 3.6 shots per game, up from 1.8 two seasons ago, and remarkably, 82 % of those efforts are first-time strikes. Every one of his five goals this term has come from a single touch.
That efficiency is the mark of a striker in rhythm. Despite losing creators like Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise, Mateta continues to find space, making more off-ball runs into crossing positions than almost any other forward in England. He now accounts for 25.9 % of Palace’s total shots — only Haaland has a higher share for his team.
Our View
In our view, Mateta’s renaissance mirrors Glasner’s tactical precision. The Austrian’s structured 3-4-2-1 system has maximised the Frenchman’s strengths — quick lay-offs, sharp movement, and that instinctive one-touch finishing. He’s not just scoring more; he’s doing it smarter, with fewer touches inside the box and greater economy.
For Palace, it’s transformative. They finally have a striker capable of matching their ambitions. Supporters who once groaned at missed chances now rise in expectation whenever he peels off a defender. And with his contract running until 2027, there’s little sign of distraction or speculation.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William writes:
I think Jean-Philippe Mateta is the perfect symbol of Glasner’s project — methodical, disciplined, but with flair when it matters. His improvement in xG per 90 and shot selection puts him among Europe’s most clinical.
We believe Palace have built a system that elevates him rather than isolates him. Unless injury or form intervenes, Mateta could realistically challenge for 20 + league goals this season — a figure that once felt unimaginable for a Crystal Palace striker.
Key Insights
- Mateta’s 3.67 xG v Bournemouth is the highest in Premier League history.
- Only Haaland, Salah and Isak have more league goals since Feb 2024.
- 82 % of his shots this season are first-time efforts — all five goals included.
- Glasner’s system has doubled Mateta’s shot-conversion rate to 25.6 %.
- Second only to Haaland for xG per 90 in Europe’s top five leagues.
What’s Next
Crystal Palace make the short trip to face Arsenal on 26 October 2025 — a side boasting Europe’s tightest defence. Mateta has scored five goals in his last eight London derbies and famously netted a stunner at the Emirates last April.
With Eagles fans in full voice and Glasner fine-tuning his system, the stage is set for another statement performance. If Mateta continues this run, he’ll move past Wilfried Zaha’s club record sooner than expected.
👉 Is Jean-Philippe Mateta now Europe’s most underrated striker — or Crystal Palace’s best ever?
2 Comments (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 23 Oct 2025 15:09
He'll start for any PL team, besides City. This guy is a force for the defenders - strong and a big guy. Somehow reminds me of Drogba
By JamesLove 23 Oct 2025 15:06
Great article, and once again this shows that’s hard work paysoff - yes, thanks to Glasner hes performing so well, but he’s willing to improve
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