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Eberechi Eze has described fellow Nigeria-born Malcolm Ebiowei as a “crazy talent” and wants to help the 18-year-old settle into life at Crystal Palace.
The Eagles beat off competition from Manchester United, Monaco and Tottenham Hotspur to sign the Bermondsey-raised Ebiowei on a five-year deal.
The right-winger made 15 appearances, scored one goal and picked up two assists in his debut campaign in professional football for Derby County last season.
Ebiowei was a part of the Palace squad that travelled to Singapore and Australia for pre-season and made his first start for the club in the 3-1 loss to Manchester United.
“He’s a young boy with crazy, crazy talent,” said Eze of Ebiowei.
“I’m sure he will have his part to play in the season.
“I’m going to do as much as I can to help him because I have been in his position before, so I know what it’s like. But I’m sure he will be fine.”
Meanwhile, Eze is presented with a chance to play as the most advanced midfielder in Vieira’s side, with Conor Gallagher returning to Chelsea in the summer after his season-long loan came to an end.
The 24-year-old grabbed two assists – setting up Wilfried Zaha for the first and curling a corner in for Marc Guehi to head home the fourth – in Saturday’s 4-2 win against French side Montpellier.
“Wherever I am on the pitch, I just want to play,” added Eze, who also played left of a four-man midfield under Roy Hodgson.
“It could be there – it could be in that [Conor Gallagher’s] role. If it’s in that role, then I am happy to do it. I want to do as much as I can – create and be as effective as I can for the team.”
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