Eberechi Eze

Eberechi Eze is one of the most naturally gifted footballers in England. Born on June 29, 1998, in London, the Crystal Palace number 10 is a direct, technical attacking midfielder who can unlock defences single-handedly with his close control, change of pace, and an ability to pick a pass or carry the ball through pressure that marks him out as something rare in English football.

Eze's journey to the Premier League was unconventional. Overlooked by Arsenal and released by several academies before being picked up by Queens Park Rangers, he turned heads in the Championship with a series of mesmerising performances before Palace paid around £16 million to bring him to Selhurst Park in 2020. Despite suffering a serious Achilles tendon rupture in May 2021 that robbed him of almost a full season, Eze came back stronger, more mature, and more decisive in the final third.

Born in London of Nigerian descent, Eze committed to England — a decision that underlined his belief in his ability to compete at the very highest international level. He has since earned senior caps and has established himself as a creative option for Gareth Southgate's and subsequent England managers' squads. His dribbling ability, comfort on the ball, and instinct for a killer through-ball make him a constant danger in the Premier League, and his free-kick and long-range shooting quality adds another layer to his attacking repertoire.

Wearing the number 10 shirt — the captain's number at many clubs and a mark of trust from Palace's management — Eze carries the burden of being his club's primary creative force with apparent ease. Every transfer window brings fresh rumours linking him with Arsenal, Tottenham, and other top-six sides, and it is a testament to Crystal Palace's ambitions that they have held onto one of English football's most exciting talents deep into the 2025-26 season.