Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta has sparked major discussion across the Premier League after making a bold and unexpected claim about a Manchester United star.
When asked about the toughest defenders he has ever faced, the striker did not hesitate to place Luke Shaw alongside some of the most dominant defensive names in England.
Mateta’s praise came as a surprise to many, especially given the frequent focus on United’s inconsistent defensive displays this season, but his remarks drew significant attention from fans and pundits alike.
In a recent interview following Palace’s games, Mateta reflected on the level of competition he regularly encounters in the league.
As a striker who has faced world-class defenders across multiple teams, he highlighted the qualities that separate ordinary full-backs from the elite.
To the shock of many listeners, he mentioned Shaw in the same breath as Virgil van Dijk, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães — three defenders widely regarded as among the best in the world. According to Mateta, Shaw’s complete defensive profile stands out as much as any of theirs.
Mateta explained that Shaw’s blend of pace, intelligence, strength and precision makes him one of the most challenging opponents he has ever faced.
Reflecting on past duels with the United left-back, the Palace striker admitted that very few defenders recover as quickly or anticipate danger as naturally as Shaw.
He noted that even when attackers try to exploit space behind him, Shaw’s timing and athleticism allow him to win the ball back with remarkable consistency.
In his own words, Mateta remarked:
“I’ve come up against top defenders like Van Dijk, Saliba and Gabriel, but Luke Shaw absolutely belongs in that category.
His ability to win the ball back is incredible. Some defenders rely on speed, some rely on intelligence but he has both.
Honestly, Luke Shaw is one of the hardest players I’ve ever battled with in my career.”
These comments arrive at a moment when Manchester United’s defensive line has been under heavy scrutiny, mainly due to persistent injuries and fluctuating performances throughout the campaign.
Despite the criticism surrounding the team, Mateta’s praise serves as a reminder of Shaw’s importance whenever he is fit and available. It also highlights how opposing attackers see and respect his influence on the pitch.
Shaw’s reputation has been built over years of consistent performances, strong positioning and defensive reliability.
Opponents frequently note his standout traits, including his excellent ball recovery, his ability to read the game, his strength in duels and his impressive athletic endurance.
Even after periods on the sidelines, Shaw often returns with the same intensity that made him one of the Premier League’s most complete left-backs.
Inside Manchester United, Mateta’s glowing assessment has reportedly been received positively. Those close to the club see it as an external validation of Shaw’s quality and a reminder of how valuable he remains to the team’s structure.
For fans, the striker’s comments reinforce what many have always believed: when fully fit, Luke Shaw is not just a reliable defender he is one of the most formidable full-backs in English football.
