Rio Ferdinand agrees with Patrick Vieira on special opportunity for returning Eberechi Eze

Rio Ferdinand expects Eberechi Eze to explode this season after the midfielder started the first two games of the season.

The player joined Crystal Palace in 2020 and wasted little time finding his form before an injury struck to slow down his progress.

The young English midfielder was on the verge of being called up to the England squad before the injury which would have been painful given the timing.

Eberechi Eze got his first assist of the season against Liverpool and attracted praise from his manager Patrick Vieira.

“Really pleased, Eze in that action showed his talent,” Vieira said after the game against Liverpool.

“People forget sometimes that he was injured for quite a while last year and he’s getting to his best. What he needs now is to play games. I think today he was in a different class.”

Now England and Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand says this could be the season that the former QPR man can fulfil his talent.

He told William Hill: “Eze at Palace. He got injured last season, he did his Achilles. He’s one to watch, he’s got huge talent.

“The coaches at Queens Park Rangers said he was an amazing talent, but more than that, he was a very good professional.

“With the freedom that Patrick Vieira has given him in his Palace team, I think he’s got an opportunity to really stamp his authority this season.”

Palace will take on Aston Villa this weekend before a tricky trip to the Etihad to face Manchester City follows.