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.”

Fans View

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.