MX23RW : Tuesday, October 20 21:12:17| >> :120:30527:30527:

Wilfried Zaha enjoying "freedom" of new attacking role

Wilfried Zaha enjoying
© Reuters
The Eagles academy graduate has already scored three times this season.

Wilfried Zaha is eager to continue being efficient in front of goal and has enjoyed the freedom afforded to him in a new forward position at Crystal Palace this season.

Boss Roy Hodgson has used the Ivory Coast international higher up the pitch in the current campaign in a two-man attack alongside Jordan Ayew.

The results have been instant, with Zaha scoring in wins over Southampton and Manchester United to move within one goal of his final tally of four last term.

After being awarded Palace's player of the month award for September, the 27-year-old reflected on his new role in the team.

"It gives me a lot of freedom to move around and I'm in and around the box more, so it gives me more of a scoring opportunity," Zaha told the official club website.

"I'm just trying to be more efficient in certain areas. Obviously what really counts is what I do going forward, so that is the frame of mind I have got.

"Not try to do as much as I do outside the area. Once I get in and around there just to shoot."

On top of playing as a striker, Zaha has also worn the armband in Palace's last two fixtures against United and Everton, with captain Luka Milivojevic still building up his fitness following a disjointed pre-season campaign.

The Eagles academy graduate said: "That was an honour to be given that because it was very unexpected from the gaffer for that game (at Old Trafford).

"Obviously being here, a team that has near enough given me everything, being able to walk out and captain the side was an amazing feeling."

Speculation over Zaha's future continues but with the international transfer window due to shut at 11pm on Monday, it appears the one-time Manchester United winger will stay in SE25.

It also seems the case for team-mate Christian Benteke, who is eager to force his way back into Hodgson's starting XI and not interested in a move abroad, the PA news agency understands.

ID:416740:

Click here for more stories about Wilfried Zaha

Click here for more stories about Crystal Palace

Share this article now:
Did you know...?
Mark Connolly
Read Next:
Dundee United defender Mark Connelly punished for breaching coronavirus regulations
>
Latest Sports Video
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.

rhs 2.0
Champions League
Championship
Scottish Premiership
League One
League Two
National League
Welsh Premier League
Segunda Division
Serie B
Eerste Divisie
Copa Libertadores
Major League Soccer
Brasileiro
Liga MX
NFL
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Everton5410147713
2Aston Villa44001221012
3Liverpool53111313010
4Leicester CityLeicester530212849
5Arsenal53028629
6Wolverhampton WanderersWolves530257-29
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs522115878
8Chelsea522113948
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham521211747
10Leeds UnitedLeeds52129907
11Manchester CityMan City42117707
12Southampton521289-17
13Newcastle UnitedNewcastle521279-27
14Crystal Palace521268-27
15Manchester UnitedMan Utd4202912-36
16Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton5113911-24
17West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom5023513-82
18Burnley401338-51
19Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd501427-51
20Fulham5014412-81

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!