Wilfried Zaha’s best performances have come from the left this season and so his manager should be looking at a permanent posting on that side.
Crystal Palace were handed a serious boost in their Premier League survival bid on Tuesday night with a stunning late turnaround to beat Watford at Selhurst Park.
Goals in the 89th and 92nd minutes earned three vital points and Wilfried Zaha was at the core of both strikes.
Zaha has spent time playing in an unorthodox role up front this season in Christian Benteke’s absence – and the Belgian has hardly shone since returning to the team.
This has caused Roy Hodgson to now momentarily settle on a system in which Zaha is tasked with assisting Benteke in more of a free role as he seems to acknowledge that the performances of the natural wide man are key.
Yet the Ivory Coast international, while thriving on the responsibility of being the main man, may be better suited to a permanent posting on the left-hand side.
Hodgson churned through a number of formations in Tuesday’s win before arriving at one which secured success and that depended on the threat of Zaha on the flank, running at Daryl Janmaat on either foot.
Palace’s front line options are not great – there is little beyond Benteke – but if their star man performs best on the left then surely they must prioritise a system that suits him.
Posting Zaha out wide need not limit his influence – note Richarlison’s starring role for opponents Watford – and instead allows him to isolate full backs like Janmaat.
Whatever Hodgson’s decision on a long-term solution – for there is a long way to go in this season – he must ensure Zaha is given every opportunity to maintain his best form.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
