Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira makes big statement on “leader” Wilfried Zaha
Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira has praised talisman Wilfried Zaha for the positive attitude that the Ivorian has continued to display despite making clear at the beginning of the season his desire to leave Selhurst Park.
Zaha, who has been moved back out wide to play as a winger under the Frenchman, scored in every pre-season game in which he featured and the 28-year-old was handed the captain’s armband against Watford in the Eagles’ final test before the Premier League campaign commenced.
“Wilf has been fantastic,” said Vieira. “He has been a leader, like I was expecting. A leader on and off the field, I believe he is one of the best players in the league, and we are fortunate to have a player like that in our squad.”
When asked whether he was surprised how committed Zaha was to the club, Veiria said: “Wilfried has been a really good pro. A really good person, as well. He expressed himself about what he wanted to do, and myself and the football club really respected what he had to say.
“But at the same time, when he has been in training every single day, he is coming with a positive attitude, working really hard, and we will see what’s going to happen. I have nothing negative to say about the way he has conducted himself since I have been here.”
Along with the five players that the Eagles have brought in to help Vieira transition the side, from one that was suited to defending and spending the majority of the game in their own half into a side that enjoys having possession and building an attack from the centre-backs, the Frenchman brought in Osian Roberts as his assistant manager.
Roberts was assistant manager with the Wales national side between 2015-2019 and was most recently technical director of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, before becoming Vieira’s assistant.
Speaking on what he can get out of the experienced Roberts, Veiria said: “His knowledge of the game; his coaching experience; knowing the Premier League and British football really well, and the most important is that we are sharing the same philosophy of football.”
PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD