Impressed Crystal Palace Boss Frank de Boer Likens Wilfried Zaha to Barcelona Superstar
Crystal Palace’s new manager Frank de Boer has been impressed by the quality of his new team, particularly Wilfried Zaha it seems.
The Dutch boss heaped praise on the sought-after Ivory Coast international, even likening his new attacker to Barcelona superstar Neymar.
Zaha was instrumental as Palace narrowly avoided relegation under Sam Allardyce last season, providing 7 goals and 9 assists as the South London club climbed to a 14th placed finish.
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De Boer has been keen to stress Zaha’s importance to the Eagles going forward and explained why he considers his flying winger similar in ability to Neymar.
Speaking to the press following Palace’s 2-0 victory over West Brom in the Premier League Asia Trophy on Saturday, de Boer said, as quoted byThe Daily Mail: "He’s special, ‘What he has in his skills I think he is a lot like, if we have to give an example, for me it’s Neymar.
"He also has the quick feet and he’s gone. Very skinny, so fast, every touch, every pass.
"That’s a quality not many players have - to still (have) control at the highest speed. Neymar has it. If I have to compare with one, it’s Neymar."
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Wilfried Zaha signed a new five-year contract extension with Crystal Palace in May, but has still inevitably been linked with a big money move away from Selhurst Park in recent weeks - most notably to Tottenham Hotspur.
His new manager Frank de Boer distinguished himself as manager of Ajax, winning the Eredivisie for four successive years from 2011 to 2015.
A disappointing spell at Internazionale followed, and with a point to prove, the Dutchman will know hanging on to special talents like Zaha will be vital to Palace’s chances of Premier League survival this season.
