Wilfried Zaha told he can go to ‘a different level’ for Crystal Palace

Patrick Vieira has challenged Wilfried Zaha to go to a “different level” by adding more goal contributions and becoming decisive with his decision making.

Zaha, who turns 29 next week, scored the opener in the 2-0 victory away at Manchester City last weekend. He became the first Crystal Palace player to score 50 Premier League goals and has scored three goals and contributed with one assist this season under the French World Cup winner.

“I strongly believe that he can go to a different level,” said Vieira when asked about whether he believed Zaha had fulfilled his potential. “He can score more goals, and he can make more assists – he can be more decisive. He has the confidence of the football club, of myself and my staff, and we believe how good he can be for the football club and for himself to go to a different level. He can, and he will do it. I guarantee that he will do it.”

Zaha started the game at the Etihad as the central striker in a front three – a position in which he predominantly played last season under Roy Hodgson.

Vieira said: “The strength of having Wilfried in the squad is that he can play on the left, he can play on the right, and he can play centrally as well. This is a good tool for me to use as a manager because I can change him from the left to the right, as he is capable of playing between the line and he is capable of staying wide, depending on our game plan and how I want to use him. But he is comfortable playing up front in any position.”

News broke on Thursday that Zaha turned down the opportunity to be called up to the Ivory Coast squad for November’s 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique and Cameroon.

The national side coach Patrice Beaumelle said: “A few days ago, Zaha sent me a message to say that every time he comes [on international duty], he returns home sick.”

However, Vieira says that Zaha is “committed” to the Elephants.

The Frenchman added: “The only thing that I can comment on is me talking to Wilfried. I know how committed he is to the Ivory Coast national team. I know that he wants to go to the selection. I know that he wants to work with them to go to the World Cup.

“I spoke to him, and he made clear that he is still thinking about international football and that he wants to be part of the Ivory Coast national team and wants to go to the World Cup. This is what he has been telling me, and this is why I will support him to go to represent his country because he is proud to represent the Ivory Coast national team.”

When asked if he believed the news surrounding Zaha and the Ivory Coast national team might be a distraction for Palace’s talisman against Wolves tomorrow, Vieira said: “No, not at all. I saw him this morning, and I saw him yesterday, and he’s been really good – he’s been training well. His mind is clear about wanting to go and play for his country.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD