Ahead of Saturday’s Premier League 2 Division One meeting with Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace Under-21s midfielder Matteo Dashi reflected on the season so far, representing Albania at international level, and the challenge that awaits in Nottingham.
The match will be streamed live on Palace TV+ on Friday evening (16th January, 19:00 GMT) – click HERE to learn more about Palace TV+ and subscribe today!
Can’t watch live? Follow live commentary on our Academy X (Twitter) page, with a full match report and reaction available shortly after full-time in our Academy news section.
Highlights will also be available on Palace TV+.
I’ve been working hard and I’m going to keep going
—Matteo Dashi
Despite finishing bottom of their EFL Trophy group, Palace currently sit 14th in Premier League 2 Division One and remain firmly in contention to progress in the Premier League International Cup, having recorded eye-catching victories over Juventus and FC Nordsjælland.
Reflecting on the campaign to date, both personally and as a collective, Dashi said: “The season’s been quite tough for me. I haven’t played as many minutes as I would have wanted, but there’s a lot of good players in the squad and a lot of competition, which pushes us all to be better. I’ve been working hard and I’m going to keep going.
“Whatever chance I get, I’m going to try my best to take it. I think the team’s done well overall. There’s always things to improve, but it’s about getting results week by week and keeping that momentum.”
After a prolonged injury absence, Dashi returned to action on the final day of the 2024/25 season against Brighton & Hove Albion, ending the campaign with nine appearances.
“Last year was difficult,” he explained. “I was out for around five months with a groin injury. Mentally it was tough because I had been playing a lot before that.
“But I kept persevering. I wasn’t going to let it stop me. I came back, and now I know there’s even more to come – I’ve just got to keep working.”
Hopefully it’s the first start of many
—Matteo Dashi
Palace were beaten 4-1 by Chelsea in Premier League 2 at Cobham Training Centre on Saturday, despite taking an early lead through David Obou.
Dashi offered his assessment of the performance: “It was a tough game against a very good side. I thought we had our fair share of chances, but there were moments where we switched off and they punished us.
“Defensively, that’s something we could have been better at. As a team, though, I don’t think we played badly. There are always things to improve – taking our chances and defending better as a unit.”
The match marked Dashi’s first start of the season after making three substitute appearances previously.
“It felt really good to get my first start. It’s something I’ve been working towards all season, pushing myself every week in training.
“When I get minutes, I always try to make a difference. It’s nice to finally get that start and hopefully it’s the first of many.”
Dashi played a key role in Palace’s opening goal, showing persistence and skill to beat his marker before driving into the box and squaring for Obou to finish.
“I was on the other side of the pitch and saw Hindo [Mustapha] had the ball,” he explained. “There was space, so I called for it.
“The defender made it difficult, getting tight and pulling me. It was instinctive – I flicked it through his legs, kept going and tried to put the ball in the right area. Thankfully David was there to finish it.”
I feel very proud to represent my country
—Matteo Dashi
A versatile operator capable of playing in midfield or further forward, Dashi outlined his strengths: “I bring a lot of energy. I’m always running, always trying to get on the ball. Dribbling is one of my best attributes.
“I like to drive with the ball, take shots and create chances for the team.”
At international level, Dashi has enjoyed a productive spell with Albania U19s, featuring in all three of their November UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifiers in Durrës, as well as a triangular friendly tournament earlier in the season.
“It’s been really good,” he said. “It’s a different style of play – more physical and less technical in some ways – but it’s a great experience.
“Both of my parents were born in Albania, so I feel very proud to represent my country.”
We just have to focus on ourselves
—Matteo Dashi
Palace now turn their attention to the last of their back-to-back Premier League 2 fixtures, with a trip to face an in-form Nottingham Forest U21s side on Friday (16th January, 19:00 GMT).
“They’re a good team, but in this league anyone can beat anyone,” Dashi added. “We’re preparing properly, watching them back and getting ourselves ready.
“Everyone was disappointed after Chelsea, but we’ve got to move on, train hard and get our tactics right. We want to bounce back.”
Forest arrive as reigning Premier League International Cup holders and on a ten-match unbeaten run, but Dashi remains unfazed.
“I don’t really think about things like that,” he said. “When we’re at our best, I believe we can beat any team. We just have to focus on ourselves and take it from there."
The match will be streamed live on Palace TV+ on Friday evening (16th January, 19:00 GMT) – click HERE to learn more about Palace TV+ and subscribe today!
Can’t watch live? Follow live commentary on our Academy X (Twitter) page, with a full match report and reaction available shortly after full-time in our Academy news section.
Highlights will also be available on Palace TV+.
Nottingham Forest Under-21s v Crystal Palace Under-21s