Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta will return to training this week ahead of the new Premier League season, after representing France at Paris 2024.
Mateta helped France secure an Olympic silver medal, losing in the gold medal match to Spain.
The 27-year-old will return to training with the Eagles on Wednesday.
Mateta has had an excellent 2024 and has scored 19 goals since February, with five of them coming at the Olympic Games.
He was named Palace's player of the year last season and is hoping to be in contention for their Premier League opener on Sunday against Brentford.
Mateta's Rise to Prominence
The centre-forward came into his own last season and was one of the stars of France's run to the final of the Olympic Games this summer.
"To be fair, he has been outstanding," said Morrison. "(Technical director) Dougie Freedman said it to me, when Jean-Philippe Mateta gets a run of games, then he will be exceptional."
"He had a tricky start because he was in and out of the team, any striker will tell you that you need a run of games to build up your momentum."
"Odsonne Edouard was playing three games, then Mateta came in but then of a sudden along with (Oliver) Glasner arriving he made him the number one striker."
"He hasn't looked back since, he's been fantastic, he's a handful and he's a big target man who can run in behind and score goals."
"He's like a complete centre forward who you want at the moment, so long may that continue."
"Listen, there will be clubs knocking at the door if he keeps up the form, but I think it's definitely one player they keep a hold of this season."
"Fair play to him, sometimes as centre forwards you gets judged on your goals and if you're good enough."
"He's knuckled down, put the work in and now he's showing his worth."
Guehi's Potential Move to Newcastle
As Morrison mentions, interest is growing in Mateta - just at a time when captain Marc Guehi appears to have one foot out the door at Selhurst Park. The chances of the England defender moving to Newcastle gathering momentum this week.
"Listen Newcastle United are a big football club and they've got a very good manager in Eddie Howe, so it would be a good move for him personally," Morrison reasons.
"But I would love for him to stay at Crystal Palace for at least another year."
"Football has changed massively these days; you don't have to play for the top teams to be an England international."
"Marc Guehi went to the Euros and was one of England's stand out players when people were questioning whether he could step into Harry Maguire's shoes."
"I think he did that and more, he was brilliant alongside John Stones."
"People forget he had an injury towards the back end of the season, came back in and was outstanding."
"I can only speak so highly of him, he's one of the nicest guys you'll come across and when you speak to him, he's such a humble guy."
"He just wants to keep learning, wants to improve and wants to get better as a player, so the world is his oyster."
"But please, another year at Palace then I would understand one of those top four teams coming knocking on the door."
"If Newcastle pay Palace the money they want, then there's always the chance he leaves, but I hope he stays because he's a class act."
The Future is Bright for Palace
With Mateta's resurgence and Guehi's potential departure, Crystal Palace is facing a pivotal season. The team's performance will depend heavily on the ability of the squad to adapt to these changes.
- Clinton Morrison was speaking to Tribalfootball.com on behalf of Betway
