Share
By Anthony Nlebem.
Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira has praised David Ozoh‘s performance on his Premier League debut, noting that the teenager deserved his chance in their 0-0 draw against Newcastle.
Vieira hailed the 17-year-old Academy graduate who became Palace’s youngest-ever Premier League midfielder upon his introduction in the second half.
The midfielder of Nigerian descent, who signed a professional contract with the Magpies in August 2022, replaced Odsonne Edouard in the 90th minute at Selhurst Park.
The teenager surpassed the record of George Ndah, a retired footballer of Nigerian descent, who was 17 years, 11 months and five days old when he played against Liverpool in November 1992.
“It was good for him to get involved. He’s been training with the first-team the last couple of weeks. Even last year, he spent time with us,” Vieira said as quoted by Tribal football.
“It was really good to see how he’s improving week after week and he’s somebody that will get involved in training and will be around the first-team because he has the attributes to be a Premier League player.
“He can play and when he gets the ball on the field he remains calm. He’s making some really good decisions in possession and physically he’s gifted and he can compete at that level.
“Now, it is important to keep working with him and help him to develop in the right way.”
Ozoh was born in Valencia, Spain to Nigerian parents and moved to England at a young age.