Crystal Palace

Frank de Boer: 'Wilfried Zaha is Crystal Palace's own Neymar'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 24 July 2017

Frank de Boer talks up the potential of Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha, who he believes has the same attacking attributes as Barcelona ace Neymar.

Crystal Palace boss Frank de Boer has likened Wilfried Zaha to Barcelona forward Neymar, claiming that his quick feet and trickery make him one of the toughest players to handle.

Zaha enjoyed his most prolific Premier League campaign to date last time out, scoring seven goals and setting up a further nine for the Eagles.

De Boer, who has only been in charge at Selhurst Park for the past month, believes that he has a real gem on his hands if Zaha's early pre-season showings are anything to go by.

"What he has in his skills I think he is a lot like, if we have to give an example, for me it's Neymar," he told reporters. "He also has the quick feet and he's gone. Very skinny, so fast, every touch, every pass.

"He can make some half pass in between and he is away. That's a quality not many players have - to still [have] control at the highest speed. Neymar has it. If I have to compare with one it's Neymar."

De Boer was left unhappy with the treatment Zaha received in the 2-0 friendly win over West Bromwich Albion at the weekend, claiming that he was deliberately targeted by opposition players.