A centre forward playing in the best league in the world that struggles with the basics of the game is not ideal, although we’ve bought a few like that in the past and probably will in the future so we might as well get used to it.

Unfortunately for Mateta heading is still allowed. And he doesn't do heading from what I have seen.

It's being reported that Mateta is bring offered a new contract by the club.
Perhaps it's to protect his value if we loan/sell him, but my brain hurts these days with the complexities of players' contracts.
The club and Mateta certainly didn't give the impression that Mateta would be departing in interviews after the Plymouth game

FA Cup Goal against Millwall from the Olise cross was a decent finish.

Scored a header against Arsenal too did he not?

I want him to start on Sunday in place of Eduard and not just because he scored a hat-trick.

Jean-Philippe Mateta seems to be a player that needs through balls to play to his strengths and generally this has not been how Palace play. Against Plymouth two goal were through balls and he indicated where he wanted the ball played. The goals he scored in Germany were mainly through ball or chasing big balls out of defence. There is a good striker in there, I hope Palace can get the best out of him.