Senegal: “He always plays well” – Philippe Mateta hails Crystal Palace star Ismaïla Sarr

Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has praised teammate Ismaïla Sarr for his outstanding performances this season, insisting the Senegal international “always plays well” after emerging as one of the club’s most influential players.

Sarr has enjoyed a decisive campaign for the Eagles, particularly during the period when Mateta was sidelined through injury.

The Senegalese winger stepped into a leading attacking role and became a central figure in Crystal Palace’s push in both domestic and European competitions.

His impact has been especially notable in the UEFA Conference League, where he currently leads the goalscoring chart with nine goals.

Sarr stepped up during Mateta’s absence

Crystal Palace faced concerns earlier in the season when Mateta suffered a knee injury that kept him out between February and March.

The French forward had already scored eight goals during the first half of the campaign and had established himself as one of the club’s main attacking threats.

His absence therefore threatened to weaken Palace during a critical stage of the season.

Instead, the team found another source of attacking inspiration in Ismaïla Sarr.

The Senegalese winger assumed greater responsibility in the final third and responded with a series of important performances that helped maintain Crystal Palace’s momentum.

Sarr’s goals and attacking contributions arrived both in the Premier League and in Europe, where he became one of the standout players of the Conference League campaign.

Conference League form attracts attention

The 2025-26 season has seen Sarr emerge as one of Crystal Palace’s most productive attacking players, particularly in continental competition.

His tally of nine goals in the UEFA Conference League has placed him at the top of the tournament’s scoring standings and reinforced his growing importance to the team.

The winger’s performances have been marked by pace, movement and efficiency in front of goal, qualities that have repeatedly made the difference for Palace in decisive matches.

As the club moved closer to a possible European trophy, Sarr increasingly became one of the key figures behind the run.

His performances have also drawn praise from within the dressing room, including from Mateta, who spoke positively about the Senegal international when discussing his season.

Mateta dismisses claims Sarr is underrated

When asked whether Sarr was being underestimated despite his performances, Mateta rejected the idea and highlighted the consistency shown by his teammate.

“He’s not underestimated, he always plays well ,” the Crystal Palace number 14 told the Mirror .

The French striker also praised Sarr’s achievements in Europe and expressed hope that the winger would continue delivering in the club’s most important upcoming fixture.

” He’s been excellent and I’m very happy for him; he’s the top scorer in the Conference League. I hope he scores in the final too and helps us bring the trophy home.”

The comments reflected the strong appreciation within the squad for Sarr’s contribution throughout the season.

Crystal Palace preparing for European final

Crystal Palace are now preparing for the UEFA Conference League final, where they will face Rayo Vallecano on May 27 in Leipzig.

The match represents one of the biggest European occasions in the club’s recent history and offers Palace the opportunity to end the season with silverware.

Much attention will naturally focus on Sarr given his performances throughout the competition and his role as the tournament’s leading scorer.

His ability to produce goals in high-pressure situations has become one of the defining features of Palace’s European campaign.

With the final approaching, expectations surrounding the Senegalese international continue to grow.

Sarr confirms his importance to Palace

This season has highlighted Sarr’s increasing influence within the Crystal Palace squad and his ability to respond during crucial moments.

The winger not only maintained Palace’s attacking threat during Mateta’s absence, but also established himself as one of the most effective players in the Conference League.

His performances have strengthened his reputation both in England and across European football, while also reinforcing his importance to the club moving forward.

Mateta’s praise therefore reflects more than simple admiration between teammates — it underlines the growing recognition of Sarr’s role in Crystal Palace’s season.

With a European final still to come, the Senegal international now has the chance to complete an already impressive campaign with another decisive contribution.