Roy Hodgson hailed Jairo Riedewald’s performance against Arsenal as ‘fantastic.’
Among a host of fine showings for the Eagles in the 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park, it was the 23-year-old Dutchman that Hodgson singled out.
With injuries to Patrick van Aanholt and Jeffrey Schlupp, Hodgson had little option other than thrusting the midfielder to left-back.
The former Ajax man has now started the last three games for Palace, something he hasn’t done since arriving at the club in 2017.
"It was fantastic wasn't it. I'm delighted for that lad,” Hodgson said.
"I remember talking to Jairo and saying 'don't you think you can play left-back' and he virtually said 'no I don't think I can, I won't be able to do that job' and I actually told him the other day 'I did tell you! I knew you could do the job.'
"We've always known there's a very good footballer there but we've not been able to find a home for him in the team with the way we play.
“Now we've found a home for him and he's playing on a regular basis and with every game I think he gets better so I'm delighted with him and for him.
"He's been a model professional during the last seasons always training, doing his job properly, never complaining.
“Disappointed of course that the coach 'i.e. me' doesn't play him in the team and he's entitled to be disappointed.
“But (he's) fully understanding of the fact I've got a choice to make a choice which has gone elsewhere so hats off to him.”
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Riedewald had been somewhat of an enigma to Palace since arriving with Frank de Boer two seasons ago.
With injuries in the squad however he’s finally been given his chance, albeit out of position, and thy feel he’s taken it.
Jairo Riedewald last decade ➡️ Jairo Riedewald this decade.#CPFC pic.twitter.com/JORWAILLSF
— CLH (@CabayeLovesHugs) January 11, 2020
Jairo Riedewald is a absolute baller...that is all #cpfc
— Daren Lury (@dalzini79) January 11, 2020
That was the best game I’ve seen Jairo play in he was quality throughout. If he is consistent that LB position could be his ❤️💙 #cpfc #CRYARS
— rae chang (@raechang15) January 11, 2020
👏🏻👏🏻 JAIRO RIEDEWALD 👏🏻👏🏻 I’m delighted for him, but also devastated that we’ve let him rot for so long in the reserves. There’s a brilliant player in there and week by week, it’s coming out. You can see the confidence growing. SO comfortable on the ball, brilliant today! #CPFC
— Ben Nagle (@bennagle17) January 11, 2020
Jairo was superb today! How has Hodgson not been using him all this time? #cpfc
— Rob Naish (@Naishy89) January 11, 2020
Imagine we had Jairo and Aaron as full backs 😩🔴🔵#cpfc
— scott (@ScottJDuncan) January 11, 2020
Jairo has to be given a chance at DM when PVA is fit. Looks so sharp and has a range of passes unlike, jimmy james luka and kouyate. #cpfc
— George (@Georgiecpfc) January 12, 2020
Loving the way Jairo is playing, but still want a left back. Would prefer to see him in the middle with Luka. The midfield three Roy prefers are nowhere near as comfortable on the ball as him.#cpfc
— lordrickerz (@rickerz61) January 12, 2020
Jairo Riedewald.
— GazBod (@gazbod) January 12, 2020
Left out for 22 months or something. Got big. Got small again. Grew his hair. Midfielder playing at left back. Absolutely fucking NAILS it. Man of the Match.
Not one complaint. Model professional. PALACE!! ❤️💙#CPFC pic.twitter.com/R6CqODbSTx
That moment when our third choice left back sent your most expensive player to the cleaners #CPFC #jairo #eagles https://t.co/WYcMeXS3BV
— Daniel McCallan-Dixon (@danjangles) January 11, 2020
Nice to see him getting accolades. I thought he was class when he came with De Boer. Proper competition now for the LB position. He just needs to be improve his link ups with Zaha now...
— I and I (@neilopayno) January 11, 2020
Watching Jairo the last few games, he could play anywhere , he could be useful in midfield when pva is fit 🔴🔵#CPFC
— Deborah Jay (@Debbiejay7) January 11, 2020
Jairo Riedewald has always been class, just a shame it has taken until now for people to see it!! Has to stay in the first 11 for me #CPFC #JairoRiedewald 🦅4️⃣4️⃣
— Stephanie Donovan (@stephdonovan) January 11, 2020
Fair play to Jairo Riedewald he has waited for his chance and apart from a Ropey first half vs Brighton has filled in superbly today being his best game #CPFC
— Tony (@mazey16) January 11, 2020
PVA wondering how he’s gonna get back into the side after the Jairo masterclass #cpfc pic.twitter.com/DcpvCB8fpY
— Daniel Angus (@DanielAngus6) January 11, 2020
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