Palace striker named in Olympics Squad

French boss Thierry Henry has included the 27-year-old as one of three overage players.

A former France Under-21 international, Mateta had not represented his country since 2019 before his selection in the provisional squad for the Games.

Henry, though, is a fan of the Palace frontman, who finished last season with 19 goals in 39 appearances for the Eagles.

“He’s an old-fashioned striker – you can play a little more direct. He can keep the ball,” said Henry.

“He’s a boring striker to play against! He doesn’t lose the ball much, and he goes at the last defender. He uses his physicality, he’s good with his head, and he scores.

“It’s important that a striker like that gives you another dimension. He was also voted Player of the Year at Crystal Palace. It seems to me that he’s not too bad!”

France play the United States in their opening match on 24 July and also face Guinea and New Zealand in the group stage.

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