Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira has hinted that he is ready to test the talents of star man Wilfried Zaha in a new role in the imminent future.
Ivorian international Zaha is of course in the midst of another fine campaign to date.
Lining out in his favoured berth on the left wing, the 29-year-old has continued to light up the top-flight of English football, en route to an impressive 12-goal haul, good enough for 7th in the goalscoring charts.
WATFORD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 24: Wilfried Zaha is challenged by Oghenekaro Etebo of Watford during the Carabao Cup second round match between Watford and Crystal Palace at Vicarage Road Stadium on August 24, 2021 in Watford, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Nevertheless, though, if the latest comments on the part of his manager are anything to go by, then Zaha could soon be hooked from his spot out wide, to instead try his hand as the spearhead of Crystal Palace’s attack.
This comes with Patrick Vieira eager to see how his side’s talisman would fare as a centre-forward, of the opinion that Zaha possesses all the tools required to thrive in such a role.
“I have to convince him and that will take time, but that is a position that I believe he can play,” Palace’s boss explained during a press conference.
“He’s really strong at holding the ball, he is capable of linking the game and he can drop in the midfield.
“I believe this is a position that he can excel in for us. We’ve had a couple of conversations about that,” Vieira added. “He doesn’t say no, but it takes him time to buy into it.”
Hornets lie in wait
Turning attentions back towards the immediate job at hand, Palace’s fans will no doubt be hopeful of Zaha producing the goods once more this weekend, when the capital outfit return to Premier League action.
Vieira’s troops are set to welcome Championship-bound Watford to Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon.
And Palace head into the matchup with spirits no doubt high in the camp, hopeful of making it two wins on the bounce after putting Southampton to the sword by two goals to one last time out.
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