Super Eagles star Christantus Uche wins key Crystal Palace award
Super Eagles midfielder Christantus Uche has won Crystal Palace’s Goal of the Month award for December, despite struggling for regular playing time this season.
The 22-year-old joined the Premier League club on a season-long loan from Spanish side Getafe last summer. After an impressive campaign in La Liga, Uche was expected to become an important part of the Palace squad, but things have not gone as planned.
Uche has started only three matches in all competitions so far. Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has often suggested that the Nigerian midfielder is not currently central to his plans, even though Uche has shown quality whenever he has been given a chance.
His latest start came shortly before Christmas in a 3-2 defeat against KuPS in the UEFA Europa Conference League. Uche made a strong impression by scoring in the fifth minute of the game.
The midfielder picked up the ball just outside the penalty area, beat his marker with a quick movement, and fired a superb shot with the outside of his right foot into the bottom corner. The goal stood out as one of the best strikes of the month and has now earned him his first major individual award in England.
Crystal Palace later confirmed that Uche’s effort had been voted the club’s Goal of the Month for December.
Uche’s future at Palace remains uncertain. His loan agreement includes an obligation to buy, but only if he starts ten matches this season. At the moment, that target looks unlikely to be met.
The club’s recent transfer activity has also reduced his chances of more minutes on the pitch. As a result, Uche may feel frustrated with his current situation, especially given his ability and potential.
The Super Eagles star will be hoping for more opportunities in the coming weeks as he looks to get his career back on track and make a stronger impact at club level.
