Wilfried Zaha: What to Know About the Up-and-Coming Crystal Palace Winger
Wilfried Zaha: What to Know About the Up-and-Coming Crystal Palace Winger
Wilfried Zaha is quickly becoming one of the hottest names in English football.
Zaha, 20, has never played in the Premier League, but he is reportedly attracting interest from some of the country's biggest clubs.
Premier League champions Manchester City have made a £15 million bid for the new England international winger, according to The Sun. Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are also thought to be interested (via Daily Mail).
So, who is this kid? Glad you asked…
Basics
Wilfried Zaha, who turned 20 on Nov. 10, made his full professional debut for Crystal Palace on the first day of the 2010-11 season. He scored a goal as Palace beat Leicester City 3-2 (via CPFC.co.uk).
Zaha made his first appearance for Palace in March 2010, coming on as a substitute against Cardiff City (via BBC Sport).
Zaha came up through Palace's youth system, which also produced defender Nathaniel Clyne, who is now with Southampton. By birth, Zaha is eligible to play for Ivory Coast or England.
Zaha made 44 appearances in all competitions for the Eagles in the 2010-11 campaign and signed a new four-and-a-half-year contract in November 2010.
Young Player of the Year
Zaha was named the Football League's Young Player of the Year for 2011-12 (via Football-League.co.uk).
Zaha finished the season with six league goals in 41 appearances. He scored three goals in seven league cup appearances.
Crystal Palace's run in the league cup included a surprising victory over Manchester United. Zaha drew attention for his display against the Red Devils, according to the Daily Mail.
England Call-Up
In February 2012, Zaha earned his first call-up to the England Under-21 national team. He assisted a goal in his debut, a 4-0 win over Belgium (via BBC Sport).
Zaha then made his debut for the senior team in November (via BBC Sport), four days after his 20th birthday. He replaced 17-year-old Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling in the 85th minute.
Manchester City Make Bid?
Manchester City have reportedly made a £15 million bid for Zaha, according to The Sun.
The offer is reportedly for an initial £12 million with £3 million worth of incentives. Zaha would become a City player in January but remain with Palace on loan until the summer.
Palace reportedly value Zaha at £20 million.
Premier League Suitors
Manchester City are not the only club reportedly interested in Zaha.
According to the Daily Mail, Zaha's list of potential suitors includes Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, in addition to City.
Arsenal reportedly sent their chief scout to watch Zaha in October. The report from the Mail also cites the £20 million figure for Zaha's value.