Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze revealed he spent hours watching Thierry Henry and Ronaldinho online to inspire him to pursue a successful career in the game.
After spending time at the academies of Arsenal, Fulham, Reading and Millwall, Eze moved to Queens Park Rangers in 2016, where he spent four standout years.
During his time at Loftus Road, the 26-year-old made 112 appearances in all competitions and scored 20 goals, culminating in a move to Palace in 2020.
Eze's career has since taken off in SE25, becoming a key figure for the Eagles during their time in the top flight, earning him his first England appearance in June 2023.
After his assist against Chelsea last season, Eze tied Christian Benteke with 46 goals in the Premier League for Crystal Palace (28 goals, 18 assists).
Only Wilfried Zaha, 96, has been more involved with the Eagles in the top flight, and Eze said watching videos of the former Barcelona duo inspired him.
“[Thierry] Henry was number one. Henry and Ronaldinho. Those were the two on YouTube you were watching,” Eze told Sign Up – Into Football.
“These are the guys you grow up with. They enjoy what they do, they love what they do, they are passionate about it and that inspires.
“I feel like these are the guys I've looked up to for as long as I can remember.
“I started with my dad taking me and my brothers to the park. I don't know why, but he always taught us how to take penalties.
“I don't know if he was a punishment guru in Nigeria growing up, but that's what he taught us.”
However, Eze did not just focus on his own game, but also admired other players in the division, especially England teammate Phil Foden.
Foden was named PFA Players' Player of the Year and FWA Player of the Year last season after a stellar season with Manchester City.
Although his form has been under fire this season, Eze recognized the talent at Foden's feet.
“I love watching Phil Foden. Just the way he plays, the way he moves. You can see his talent level is insane,” he said.
“He's definitely a player you watch. Even if you forget football, what he looks like when he plays.”
“The way he receives the ball, the way he passes. It's definitely a gift he has.”
Palace currently sit 15th in the Premier League after a difficult start to the season, but are unbeaten in their last three top-flight games.
They take on Leicester City on Wednesday, a side that Eze has failed to score against in his five Premier League appearances against them.
Next month will mark almost a year since Oliver Glasner replaced Roy Hodgson at Selhurst Park, and Eze has been impressed by the Austrian's impact at the club.
“I think he brought new ideas and a new way of looking at football,” he said. “He increased our intensity so much.
“It's obviously a lot harder on the field, but it's good, and it's how you want to play football.”
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