2021 Super Eagles invitee branded special player by Arsenal legend after FA Cup heroics

Arsenal icon Patrick Vieria has branded 2021 Super Eagles invitee Michael Olise a 'special player' after the winger's FA Cup heroics in a 2-0 win over League Two side Hartlepool United on Saturday.

For the second game in a row in this season's FA Cup, the former Chelsea schoolboy helped himself to a goal and assist.

The 20-year-old drifted into the box and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way at the near post in the 22nd minute.

Speaking after the clash at Selhurst Park, Palace manager Vieria lauded Olise but added that he needs time, focus and support to continue his development.

In quotes relayed by Crystal Palace official website, Vieria stated : "He’s playing with a lot of confidence at the moment. There’s no doubt about his talent; he’s a really special player. But there’s still a long way to go and a lot to learn.

"He’s making huge progress from when he arrived to six months after – I think he’s a different player. So now he has to keep working well, keep working hard, and we’ll be really demanding of him because he has the talent to deliver. But at the same time we’ll have to understand he’s not going to be like that every weekend.

"He’s still so young and we have to give him the support he needs to keep growing as a player and a man as well. He still has a lot to learn from the game and we will give him that support.

"Yes, there is a talent, but we also know talent is not enough to be the player he can be. He will have to work hard to dedicate himself to the game."

Olise will be hoping to continue his good run of form in the FA Cup when Crystal Palace tackle Josh Maja's Stoke City in the fifth round on Wednesday, March 2nd at Selhurst Park.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : cpfc.co.uk