Eze, Saha combination delights Vieira
After a long-term injury, Eze is now back performing at the top level
Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira has praised the versatility of Wilfried Zaha and Nigeria-born Eberechi Eze after the pair combined on Monday night for Zaha to open his season account with a smart finish against Liverpool in a 1-1 draw.
Ivorian Zaha has played most of his career as a winger or attacking midfielder, but at Anfield earlier this week he was utilised as a centre forward.
The success of Zaha’s shift spearheading the attack when needed means the Palace manager has found it easier to persuade the 29-year-old it is a position he can play more regularly.
“He’s playing well in that position, and scoring score goals will help me to convince him even more,” said Vieira about the switch.
“But that system we used [for Liverpool] was for that specific game and it’s important for players – and we feel the same with Ebs – to really feel comfortable in the position that I decide to use them in. If they are feeling comfortable, and they have a really clear idea about what I want from them, then after the game, it will be easy to convince them if we play well and have a good game.”
After a long-term injury, Eze is now back performing at the top level, his link-up play with Zaha providing reasons to be excited for fans of the Eagles and Vieira himself, who has also utilised him in a dual role this season.
“He had the last couple of months of last season where he worked really hard to get back into the team and played a couple of games,” explained Vieira. “When you look at the last two games that he played, he’s getting there, he’s getting to his best and we know the talent. I believe that the performance of the team will allow him to show his quality and there is no doubt for me he will be a key player for us this season.
“He can play as a left winger and, coming inside, he can play as a number eight. He’s feeling really comfortable with those two positions. When you look at his talent it’s important to be really flexible.
“We show that at Arsenal in a 4-3-3 formation and we showed against Liverpool we are capable of playing in two different systems. It’s important for players to understand the role and responsibility they can have in each system that we decide to use to use.”
