12th Feb 2024 • Written by Henry Swain

Franco Umeh: Crystal Palace's 1%

Crystal Palace’s scouting strategy of unearthing Irish gems may be about to produce its first diamond.

There have been signs of Ireland’s value as a low-risk hotbed for talent for a while now. Jake O’Brien impressed in a promotion-winning RWD Molenbeek side, earning a multi-million-pound transfer to Olympique Lyonnais. Killian Phillips impressed Patrick Vieira enough to win a Palace debut, and is now playing under Neil Warnock on loan at Aberdeen. Tayo Adaramola has been training with Palace’s first team for years, and now has the opportunity to show off his ability in Belgium. But none, so far, have appeared in the Premier League for Crystal Palace.

Enter Franco Umeh, a 19-year-old forward with blistering pace and a powerful left foot, formerly of Cork City. Since joining Palace’s academy this time last year, Umeh has breezed through the Under-18s and become one of the first names on the team sheet for Darren Powell’s Under-21 side. He’s also impressed manager Roy Hodgson in the process, having trained with the first team squad on many an occasion.

Now, just one year after arriving in South London, Franco Umeh is in line for his first matchday involvement with the first team tonight against Chelsea. But is he good enough to graduate through the academy and become a regular part of Crystal Palace's squad?

Who is Franco Umeh?

Umeh joined Palace in February 2023 from Ireland First Division side Cork City after the Eagles triggered a €75,000 release clause in his contract. He made his professional debut at just seventeen years of age, going on to make a further two appearances for Cork City in the season they got promoted from the First Division. He’s also been involved with the international set-up from the Under-17s, 18s, and now 19s, playing alongside Palace teammate Luke Browne in the recent European Championship Qualifiers.

Umeh’s rise has been nothing short of astronomical, playing ahead of his years throughout his development and now getting an opportunity to be involved in Premier League action at the tender age of 19. There is no question he is good value for this chance.

In an interview with the Irish Examiner last month, he explained the experience of training with the first team:

“The passes are harder; everything is just quicker. Olise and Eze are the two players I look up to. I’ve spoken with him (Hodgson), he’s a nice fella, a good manager definitely. He’s a little old school. He’s strict at times but he will encourage you as well, he does really well with the young players.”

— Franco Umeh

Umeh also commented on how Hodgson has supported his development, commenting on the "safety net" he provides to young players in the form of "a small bit of leeway".

Umeh's season so far

Involved with the Under-21s and training with the first team consistently this season, Umeh has had a brilliant first full campaign at the club. In twenty-three games this season, the forward has totalled eight goals and six assists, as well as earning a nomination for January’s PL2 POTM award. 

All eight of his goals have come in the PL2 and have been scored in just twelve games, with braces against both Nottingham Forest and Blackburn Rovers. Umeh furthered his season’s tally by scoring three goals and assisting twice in two international games for Ireland’s Under-19 side; earning the adoration of Republic of Ireland fans and putting his name into the spotlight. 

His link-up with temporary Burton Albion man Ademola Ola-Adebomi saw Powell’s side score goals for fun in the first half of the season, scoring 31 goals in PL2; the fourth most of the twenty-six teams in the league. With Luke Plange back into the squad and Zach Marsh promoted to the Under-21s, it should be expected that Umeh’s productivity will continue. 

Analysing Umeh's style of play

Umeh possesses a multitude of skills that contribute to his success in both offence and defence. 

At only nineteen years of age, Umeh looks a level above the competition in an environment where he is one of the youngest. Possessing an exceptional work rate on both sides of the ball, Umeh’s non-stop running is reminiscent of Jordan Ayew on the wing. He makes the extra effort in attack to drive the space and make himself an option, while showing a willingness in defence to track back and put in tackles. Possessing good pace and decent ball control, Umeh has cemented himself as a threat on the left in the PL2 - showcasing his talent in a position where Palace need immediate remedies. 

Umeh is a skilled dribbler who drives with intent; eager to take on his man and create chances for his teammates. Not one to make risky decisions going forward, Umeh’s attacks are calculated and appropriate; showcasing his offensive IQ and maturity as a player. 

In addition to his creativity, Umeh is second to none in the air; utilising his 6’3” frame to win aerial battles and score goals. He rose highest from a corner against Brighton U21 in January to secure three points for Palace, and did brilliantly to flick on Whitworth’s goal kick into the path of Luke Plange last week against Ipswich; who netted the chance in a 1-0 victory. Although best on the flanks, Umeh has proven to be a serviceable target man when needed; showcasing his ability to link play and create chances utilising his aerial dominance.

In regards to his versatility, Umeh has been deployed in all positions across the forward line and as a wing-back this season, and his performances have been relatively consistent up to this point. Through watching Palace’s U21 games, it is evident that his defensive instincts are sound; especially for a winger at nineteen. When deployed as a wing-back, Umeh makes a noticeable effort to track back and involve himself in duels, primarily utilising his physicality to win tackles. As Danny Imray likes to join the attack at times, Umeh has taken the responsibility to shift in as a left-back in a makeshift back-four when needed, and appears satisfied to sacrifice his offensive output to maintain defensive structure. 

With Palace a rather defensive team that has been on the backfoot for a number of games this season, they require creative players in offence that are also willing to defend. Umeh fits the description for both these roles, and has proven his success to a high degree at the Under-21 level. At this point, senior football is the next step up for Umeh, who’s been dominant thus far in his Palace career. If not with the first team, a loan this summer would suit him well - and deservedly so. 

Can Umeh make it at Palace?

Despite his age, Umeh seems the complete package already - he's physically and technically capable amongst Premier League footballers, and demonstrates great intelligence and maturity in interviews. To those that are familiar with him, it's not that much of a surprise he's been included in the squad to play Chelsea.

There's no doubt over his quality, and it feels like a matter of time until he makes a name for himself on the biggest stage. Tonight's game should be the first of many that Palace fans will see his name on the teamsheet. It may take a while before Umeh is starting week-in, week-out in the Premier League, but he is certainly on the right path.

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