Crystal Palace fans, are you ready to talk about your new hero? Because Ismaila Sarr is silencing any doubts about filling some very big shoes! The departure of Eberechi Eze to Arsenal left a gaping hole in the Palace attack – a void that many feared would be difficult, if not impossible, to fill. Eze, after all, was a Palace legend in the making, racking up an impressive 40 goals and 28 assists in 169 appearances and even scoring a historic goal at Wembley in the FA Cup. Replacing that kind of impact? A daunting task, to say the least.
But step forward, Ismaila Sarr! The Senegalese forward has not just stepped up; he's arguably elevated the team's attacking prowess, bagging an impressive eight goals in just 15 games this season. Talk about hitting the ground running!
And this week, Sarr delivered a performance for the ages in a 3-1 Europa Conference League victory over AZ Alkmaar. This wasn't just any win; it was Palace's first-ever Conference League victory on home turf, solidifying their position as serious contenders for the title. Forget simply filling Eze's boots; Sarr is making a case for being the main man.
But it was not just the two goals that had fans buzzing. Sarr's overall performance was a masterclass in attacking football. His pace was frightening, his touch impeccable, and his clever runs consistently unlocked the Alkmaar defense. His link-up play with Jean-Philippe Mateta was a constant headache for the opposition. Early in the match, Sarr's lightning pace led to him hitting the post. Shortly after, he won a penalty after being brought down in the box by goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro – though, unfortunately, Mateta missed the ensuing spot-kick. Sarr wouldn't be denied, however. He saw a powerful header brilliantly saved, but he alertly pounced on the rebound, bundling the ball over the line just before halftime. Then, in the second half, Mateta returned the favor, teeing up Sarr who charged through to slot home his second and Palace's third.
"Sarr is in hot form," exclaimed former Palace defender Joel Ward on TNT Sports. "He adds so much to the team, and when there is space for him to attack and the ball is played in front of him, he is someone not many people can stand with and keep up with. He showed great composure throughout the game as well."
Ward also highlighted the tactical impact of Sarr's position and partnership with Mateta: "With playing in that formation and being in the middle of the pitch and JP [Mateta] going deep, it allows those spaces for the wide players and the 10 to run in behind. It can confuse the defenders." This tactical flexibility, it seems, is unlocking the best of Sarr's abilities. For example, Sarr has four goals in his past three appearances and is already close to matching his tally from last season – 12 goals across all competitions.
Palace's acquisition of Sarr from Marseille for a reported £12.5m in 2024 is looking like an absolute steal, especially considering they needed to replace Michael Olise, who had joined Bayern Munich. It's a testament to the club's scouting and transfer strategy.
Boss Oliver Glasner is clearly delighted with Sarr's contribution, calling him "an important player" for the club. "It looks like he is dealing really well with this – we know when he has pace, he is really good,” Glasner stated. "He has such great runs, such great finishes. I remember, more or less, the same finish he had against Brighton [last season]. He had the same finish against Arsenal in the FA Cup [last season]. He is the one with the pace and more runs in behind, the most sprinting difference. It helps he creates space for the others. He has done really well."
And this is the part most people miss... While Sarr's individual brilliance is undeniable, his impact extends beyond goals and assists. His pace and movement create space for his teammates, making the entire Palace attack more dynamic and unpredictable. He's not just a goalscorer; he's a catalyst.
The Conference League has seen English teams triumph in two of the past three tournaments, positioning Palace among the favorites this year. But here's where it gets controversial... some might argue that their reliance on Sarr could be a weakness. What happens if he gets injured or has an off day? Can Palace still compete at the highest level?
After a surprising defeat to AEK Larnaca at Selhurst Park, Glasner emphasized the importance of the victory in front of their home fans. "I hope it won't be the last," he said. "The first time you always remember, there was a great atmosphere. I think everyone enjoyed it and goes home pleased with the result and the performance."
So, Palace fans, what do you think? Is Ismaila Sarr the real deal? Can he lead Palace to Conference League glory? And more importantly, can Palace build a team around him that can sustain success even if he's not always at his best? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
