'Eberechi Eze became a different animal out of nowhere - I wouldn't go near him'

One of Eberechi Eze's ex-team-mates has summed up just how horrible he is to play against as the sought-after forward eyes a spot in the final England squad for Euro 2024.

Joel Lynch, a former team-mate, believes that the Crystal Palace forward has what it takes to reach the top as he looks to win over the England manager with his performances at St Geroge's Park. The Three Lions convened for the first time on Wednesday after Southgate announced his 33-man group earlier this month. With seven players due to be cut from the squad before they jet off to Germany, Eze will be keen to retain his place.

Playing for England in a major tournament would be a career-defining moment, but his journey to the top hasn't been easy. In 2017, QPR loaned him out to League Two side Wycombe Wanderers to test his mettle, and he returned as a player who would later terrorise Premier League defences.

Reflecting on Eze's remarkable transformation, former QPR colleague Lynch told BBC Sport last year: "He was a brilliant player before he went but when he came back he was just a different animal. It was just mad. I don't know what happened to him but when he came back he was unbelievable, just a completely different player.", reports Football London.

"Every aspect of his game had improved. He literally came back as our best player. He was head and shoulders above the rest. His demeanour is exemplary. If any young lad coming through the game wants to look at a player it would be him, he's the prime example of how to be a professional. He's a class act."

Eze has been in scintillating form this season, contributing to nine goals in his last 12 Premier League outings under the tutelage of new Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner. His displays haven't gone unnoticed with the likes of Manchester City, United, Chelsea and Tottenham all being linked with a move for him this summer.

And with the 25-year-old in the middle of a purple patch, his current performances may keep his England teammates on their toes during training sessions.

Reminiscing about their shared time at QPR, Lynch said: "I just wouldn't go near him. He'd just do some madness and try and nutmeg me. Before the start of games, where everyone is giving high fives, I'd go up to him and say, 'Mate, score a couple now so we can all go home. Just win us the game please'."

"He was that good. I actually thought at the time he could literally just win us the game. The only time I watch the Premier League now is to watch him play."

Eze, who had been rejected as a youngster by a number of top Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, left QPR to make the step up in 2020 and hasn't looked back since.