October 9 2018

Max Meyer

Crystal Palace midfielder Max Meyer says he is ready to make the step up from the Bundesliga to the Premier League.

The 22-year-old joined Palace in August and is finally match fit after missing the end of last season with Schalke due to a contract dispute.

He has only started once in the Premier League – in the defeat away at Bournemouth – where he showed his superb passing ability.

Comfortable in the No.10 role or as a defensive midfielder, the Germany international is eager to show what he can do in England's elite division.

"Yeah of course this is a step up for me, everyone watches the games in the Premier League. The Bundesliga was good but I think the Premier League is better," he said.

"I think I can play both positions – a little bit in front or behind – it's not a problem for me. Last season I learned the defensive position and it's good for me because I can play offensively and defensively.

"Passing is my game, I don't want to lose any balls – I like to have the ball and to play. I train very hard at passing and that's the result."

Nicknamed the 'German Messi', Meyer feels he has settled in at Palace after a difficult start following his free transfer from the Bundesliga runners-up.

"The first few weeks were very exciting, a new country, a new language, new teammates," he said.

"It was not so easy for me, but now it's very good. I have good fitness, everyone in the team helps me and I feel good.

"My new teammates have helped me a lot. At the start, I didn't know so many players here, just four of five, so it was not easy. But now it's better, I know everyone.

"I know the club perfect. London is an amazing, a beautiful city and I enjoy it every day, it's unbelievable."