Edouard reveals Vieira’s instructions before debut brace
Odsonne Edouard wore a large grin when discussing his brace-earning debut performance for Crystal Palace.
The forward took to the pitch late on against Tottenham Hotspur and scored his first goal no sooner than 27 seconds later, adding a second in extra time.
He called the afternoon a “dream debut”, but revealed a more team-focused approach to his arrival, saying: “[Patrick Vieira] said: ‘Help the team, make a lot of runs behind. Try to help the team defensively and play like you do well.’ So after I came on I wanted to score and help the team.
“It’s good I scored two goals today and I’ll enjoy tonight, but tomorrow I go back to work. I want to work hard for next week and now this game is finished I want to forget and work hard for a good performance again.”
Focusing more closely on his two goals – which secured a 3-0 win for Palace – Edouard said: “It’s a dream debut for me. I waited a long, long time for this and I’m very happy to score for the first win in front of the fans.
“I didn’t believe it… I need to enjoy it and for sure I’ll watch again my goals tonight. I’m very happy.”
Finally, the forward reflected on his first days in south London: “The training was very good. The guys at the club, the team, the staff is unbelievable. They welcomed me very well and it feels easy for me.”