With the World Cup coming to a close, football clubs will start to dip into the market with just a few weeks to go until the start of the next campaign. One player that could move on from his current is Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha. The winger saved Palace from relegation last season and was the stand-out performer outside the top six. It looks certain that the Ivory Coast international will move away from Selhurst Park. But, after a dreadful spell at Manchester United earlier in his career, is Wilfried Zaha ready for a move to an elite club?
Can Wilfried Zaha Step Up?
Zaha Rejects Contract
The 25-year-old has reportedly rejected a new contract, according to numerous reports. It’s no surprise that Palace are trying to tie down their key man. Zaha was pivotal for The Eagles last season and was their main threat. Their number 11 scored nine goals for the Premier League, side despite missing the first eight games. His importance is recognised by everyone involved with the club and would be too hard to replace. But why is Zaha being targeted by bigger clubs?
One of Zaha’s main traits is his skill with the ball to get past defenders – something that has improved over the past 12 months. The Ivory Coast international has the ease to beat any defender with his pace and skill despite being the attention of numerous defenders. Along with skill, Zaha has worked hard on improving his ability to score goals. His game to goal ratio saw him score one goal in three games, compared to the previous season which saw one goal in every five games. Zaha was one of only four players to complete ten take-ons in one game during the 2017/18 season. It shows the threat he poses one-on-one. He was also involved in 35% of Crystal Palace’s goals last campaign which shows why the London club have placed a £70 million price tag on him.
Tottenham, Everton and Borussia Dortmund Chase His Signature
Reports state that Wilfred Zaha has rejected a new contract with the South London side. Clubs like Tottenham, Everton and Borussia Dortmund all want to sign the 25-year-old. Tottenham is the most likely destination after having a bid rejected in 2015.
Since then, Spurs have gone onto challenge for the title along with three consecutive seasons in the Champions League. If Zaha does move across London, his status as a key player might go but he would provide depth to the already-talented Spurs side.
Zaha would ultimately play off Harry Kane but his desire to beat defenders would be key for Spurs to make the next step-up. Everton seems an unlikely destination now after the arrival of Richarlison.
Dortmund, though, have freed up space with Andre Schurrle making a two-year loan move to Fulham and Andry Yarmelenko joining West Ham. Moving across to Germany would be a brave move by Zaha, but Dortmund may be keen to make it happen after losing Pierre-Emerick Aubamenyang last January. Dortmund have failed to find a replacement and Zaha has the quality to replicate the Gabon international’s goals and would be a key player for the Bundesliga side.
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