Wilfried Zaha compared to Neymar by Palace teammate Johnny Williams

Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha has been compared to world superstars Neymar and Gareth Bale by Eagles teammate Johnny Williams.

Zaha has long-established himself as Selhurst Park’s main man across the last few years, with his enviable talent seen in abundance.

The 25-year-old has so far played 287 times for the south London club, scoring 43 goals and providing 55 assists. His intelligence, skillset and unpredictable approach has hampered opposing Premier League sides as Palace have sought to establish themselves as Premier League regulars.

Wilfried Zaha attempted more take-ons (234) in the Premier League in 2017/18 than any other player.

Eden Hazard (165/214) was the only player to complete more than Zaha's 119. pic.twitter.com/pGWnObUFod

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 20, 2018

Zaha’s ability has naturally caught the attention of rival clubs, with Chelsea the latest club linked with the Ivory Coast international’s signature.

Palace teammate Johnny Williams admits that Zaha is the team’s starman, much like Real Madrid star Gareth Bale is to the Wales set-up.

“I just think he’ll be such a big miss [if he left],” Williams told Express Sport.

“A bit similar to when we play for Wales and we’re missing Bale. It’s that effect he has on the Crystal Palace team.

“He is our star man and everyone knows that. That’s why he’s getting talked about with big teams wanting him because I think he’s at that point now where if big teams take him I think he’ll kick on again because it’s all there for him.

“It’s just up to him now but then I don’t think Palace can afford to let him go. It’s a difficult one because not long ago we were in the Championship and if someone’s offering that sort of money… it’s crazy to be honest.

“I don’t think it’s possible to replace him. I think the effects he has single-handedly on games, as I saw against Reading, he just takes it into his own hands with the responsibility to win games by himself.

“His ability is up there, it’s the best I’ve seen and always has been. I think he’s got that ability to go around people like they’re not there and he just seems to enjoy it with all his tricks.

“He reminded me of Neymar against Reading to be honest. He’s just a joy to watch and play alongside.”

How Zaha compares to Neymar and Bale

The Palace academy star has been impressing consistently for the Eagles across the last few seasons, hence the interest from outside clubs.

With Williams’ comparison to Brazilian baller Neymar and Welsh wonder Bale, how does Zaha’s stats across the last two seasons compare?

The 2016/17 season saw Zaha play an extra six Premier League games after his injury against Huddersfield in Palace’s opening fixture of the 2017/18 campaign.

Zaha has scored seven and eight goals in 16/17 and 17/18 respectively, whereas Neymar scored an amazing 20 goals in 20 games in his first season in France with Paris Saint-Germain. Bale managed to grab 11 goals in 22 matches.

Despite Zaha’s inconsistent assist stats (9 assists in 16/17 but just two last season), his attacking ability is far more comparable to Williams’ mentions.

For successful take-ons, Zaha has a 60.43% success rate compared to Neymar’s 67.48% and Bales 62.22%.

The man in red and blue has a better shot accuracy rate than Bale (57% for Zaha and 49% for Bale) with Neymar achieving  63%. Zaha also beats Bale for chances created, with the Palace star creating 10 more than the Welshman (47 to 37) with Neymar way ahead on 71.

Bale is also beaten by Zaha for successful total duels with Zaha clocking up 55.21%, Bale reaching 48.08% and Neymar once again ahead on 63.30%. The pass completion stats between the three are very close indeed (Zaha 76%, Neymar 79% and Bale 82%).

With Zaha showing no signs of actually wanting to depart Crystal Palace, it is unlikely that the 25-year-old will leave Selhurst Park this week. With Chelsea concentrating their efforts on keeping Eden Hazard and Willian at the club, the west London’s attention may be elsewhere.

A move back to former club United is almost impossible, Tottenham Hotspur are unlikely to want to better Zaha’s wages, Arsenal, Liverpool and Everton simply haven’t the need/space/money to fund the move.

Expect Zaha to don the Palace strip when they face Fulham this Saturday at 3pm.

The post Wilfried Zaha compared to Neymar by Palace teammate Johnny Williams appeared first on Squawka News.

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