Crystal Palace attacker Eberechi Eze may not have featured in the Europa Conference League tie with Fredrikstad on Thursday evening, but the Selhurst Park atmosphere under the floodlights felt like a celebratory farewell.

The England international is on the verge of sealing a £67.5 million move to Arsenal on Friday, signalling the close of an era in south London. Yet, as the Eagles claimed their maiden European win against the Norwegian outfit, it appeared as though a new hero had arrived.

That figure was full-back Borna Sosa. The 27-year-old earned his first Crystal Palace start after being restricted to only 11 minutes in the FA Community Shield beforehand.

Operating as a left wing-back with Tyrick Mitchell dropped to the bench, Sosa had Palace fans buzzing with his performance. Despite spending only weeks at the club, he was integral to Oliver Glasner’s system and already shows the traits of a key man this season.

More adventurous in his forward runs than Mitchell, he was unafraid to drift centrally and follow play to remain involved in attacks. He also impressed at dead-ball situations, displaying a powerful long throw while delivering corners and free-kicks.

Although Sosa did not provide a goal or assist on Thursday, that appears inevitable. He consistently lifted his head to deliver early crosses and even went close himself, striking narrowly over the bar in the second half after Jean-Philippe Mateta’s ball across goal.

Signed from Ajax for a bargain £3 million, Sosa looks like a dynamic defender. While it is premature to claim he can mirror Eze’s influence, he is certainly a fresh face capable of sparking excitement within Palace’s squad.

His outstanding full debut is likely a setback for Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. Both London clubs are renowned for attack-minded full-backs and, according to The Mirror, had also pursued him during the summer.

Chelsea have already spent heavily this window and must now offload before recruiting again, while Spurs’ frugal approach has cost them talents such as Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White. Missing out on such a promising player for only £3 million will undoubtedly be viewed as a wasted chance for both – but Crystal Palace will certainly benefit.

Elsewhere, Chelsea have omitted their £60m star from the squad amid reported interest from Arsenal, Newcastle United and Aston Villa.