'Boring': Arsenal legend Thierry Henry makes honest admission about 19-goal Crystal Palace star

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry says defenders will find playing against Jean-Philippe Mateta boring because of his style of play. The French forward produced his best season in his professional career last season, scoring 19 goals and providing five assists.

His brilliant showing in the Premier League was not enough to get him a place in the France squad for the Euros, but he did get a call-up to the France U21 side and consequently their squad for the home Olympic Games this summer.

Henry, who is regarded by many as the best import to the Premier League after scoring 175 goals in 258 Premier League appearances, says having Mateta in his team allows him to play a different way. He is quoted by the South London Press:

“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.”

This summer, Mateta has been linked to a move away due to his form, with clubs in the Premier League interested. Napoli also have an interest in the striker, as well as teams in the German Bundesliga.

Sources have said Palace are working behind the scenes to offer him a new deal as a reward for what has been a magnificent turnaround in form. Palace are desperate to hold on to their prized assets this summer despite the likes of Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise attracting interest higher up the league table.