‘Easy choice’ – Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson explains Wilf Zaha captaincy decision
Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson says it was an “easy choice” to name Wilfried Zaha as captain in his first starting line-up since returning to the club.
The Ivorian – who captained the side at points under Patrick Vieira – led the team out against Leicester City on Saturday.
Zaha was forced off with a groin injury and replaced by Jordan Ayew, who set up Jean-Philippe Mateta for the winner.
Joel Ward and Marc Guehi, who have both captained the side, also started against the Foxes. However, returning boss Hodgson gave the armband to Zaha.
The Eagles will find out today how long Zaha is set to be sidelined for, with nine Premier League games remaining of the season.
“He’s become a better player,” said Hodgson.
“When I was here [for the first time], we really did rely on him heavily – there is no doubt about that.
“In terms of our attacking play, to create and score goals, Wilf was the man we turned to.
“That has been eased by the good recruitment – there are quite a few quality players. It makes it easier for him.
“To make him captain was an easy choice for me. Joel Ward was a potential captain and Luka Milivojevic is the club captain – I’m very happy with those two.
“I admire and like Marc Guehi very much. I can see him being a future captain. Maybe even of England – that’s how good that boy is.
“I had to make a choice, and, in my opinion, I went for our best player and the player who, if we’re going to stay in the league, we will need to score us goals and give us that impetus that he gave us today in the first half.
“He was unstoppable and unplayable at times. So many of those chances in the first half came from him and Jeffrey Schlupp.”
PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD
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