Crystal Palace forward Romain Esse, who has found himself out of favor with manager Oliver Glasner, made a strong statement with a goal for the Under-21s in their 3-2 victory over Leeds on Monday.
Despite not being included in the matchday squad for Palace’s recent win against West Ham, the 20-year-old showcased his abilities by scoring and contributing significantly to his team’s success in the U21s fixture. Esse, who has struggled for playing time this season, responded positively to his absence from the first team.
His goal, a well-placed effort into the bottom corner, and his involvement in the setup play for Palace’s first goal highlighted his potential and skills. This performance was a morale boost for Esse, who had faced criticism from Glasner for his shortcomings in recent matches.
Glasner’s public critique of Esse stemmed from the player’s subpar performance in the Carabao Cup game against Millwall, where he was substituted at halftime due to wastefulness in possession. The manager’s decision to bench Esse against West Ham reiterated his expectations for the young midfielder.
Since arriving at Palace from Millwall for a significant fee in January, Esse has had limited opportunities to showcase his talent on the field. Despite scoring on his debut earlier this year, he has struggled to secure regular playing time under Glasner’s management.
Amid challenges with squad depth and injuries, Glasner’s tough stance on Esse’s performances stands out as he continues to face struggles in earning a place in the starting lineup. However, Esse’s recent display for the U21s suggests that he is determined to prove his worth and earn a spot in the first team, showing glimpses of his potential to contribute positively to Palace’s campaign.
