Jack Butland on Crystal Palace ace Zaha: ‘There’s not many in the world who can stop him’
BY EDMUND BRACK
richard@slpmedia.co.uk
Crystal Palace goalkeeper Jack Butland says that there are not many better players on the planet on their day than Wilfried Zaha.
Zaha, 29, scored his 12th goal of the season for the Eagles in their 2-1 loss at Leicester City last weekend.
The Ivorian, who came through the club’s academy and made his debut in 2010, has recorded over 400 appearances during his time with the South Londoners.
Sunday is set to be Zaha’s fourth trip to Wembley as a Crystal Palace player as they take on current European Champions Chelsea for a place in the FA Cup Final.
Butland has played every minute of Palace’s cup run this season.
“Wilf is a guy that wears his heart on his sleeve – he is an emotional character. He has been at Palace from a young age, he left and has come back, but he always gives 110 per cent – he epitomises that,” explains Butland.
“He is emotional and outspoken, but he delivers, and he has delivered for Palace for a long time. The manager knows how to get the best out of him, and we’re starting to see just how good of a player he really is.
“Week in, week out, he is doing it for us, and long may that continue. When Wilf is at his best, there are not many on the planet better. We are very, very lucky to have him.”
The Eagles have knocked out rivals Millwall, League Two side Hartlepool United, Stoke City and Everton en route to the semi-final.
When asked if Zaha was a player for the big moments, which Sunday’s fixture is set to be, Butland affirmed: “Absolutely, he will be up for it, like we all will be. He is going to leave it all out there, which we all are.
“When Wilf does that, there are not many people in the world who can play like him or can stop him. I’m sure we will see the Wilf that we are seeing at the minute on Sunday.
“Wilf, along with the other incredible talents that we have got in the squad at the minute – we are a force to be reckoned with. It is not us playing Chelsea, they have got to play us as well.
“It will be a good occasion, and I am sure we are all going to bring it.”
MAIN PICTURE: Wilfried Zaha celebrates his goal at Leicester City at the weekend Picture: PA
BUTLAND PICTURE: CPFC / Seb Frej
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