Can Ebere Eze and Michael Olise soften blow should Wilf Zaha leave? Palace boss Roy Hodgson answers that question

Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson believes that Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise can soften the potential blow should Wilfried Zaha decided not to renew his contract with the club.

Greenwich-born playmaker Eze scored his ninth and 10th goals of the season last weekend in Palace’s 2-0 win over Bournemouth.

And Olise, 21, became the first Palace player in Premier League history to reach 10 assists in a single campaign following his involvement in Eze’s second.

Only Kevin De Bruyne and Bukayo Saka have more assists this season in the top flight, with France U21 international Olise joint-third alongside Mohamed Salah, Leandro Trossard and Riyad Mahrez.

Zaha, 30, picked up a hamstring injury in the victory over Bournemouth and looks set to miss the rest of the season.

The Ivorian forward is out of contract in the summer but has been offered a new £200,000 a week by the Eagles.

“We have been very, very dependent upon Wilf for a long time,” said Hodgson of Zaha, when asked whether Olise and Eze could soften the blow should the club’s record goalscorer and appearance holder move on.

“At least I certainly was for the four years I spent at the club, we were unbelievably grateful to him for the performances he gave and the number of matches he helped us win.

‘Now, with those two players you mentioned, [Eze and Olise] there is more support for the attacking side for the attacking of our game.

“You can even mention Jordan Ayew, who has improved a lot.

“The club is in a happier position now than when I left two years ago, but will the club miss Wilf Zaha if he goes? Yes, they will, because Wilf Zaha is an exceptional player – he is an iconic Crystal Palace player – and he is loved here.

“He would be sorely missed if he does decide to go. But as you say, perhaps there are a few more players in the wings who can soften the blow.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD