Nigerian prodigy loved by Rooney tipped to step into Zaha's shoes ahead of Olise and Eze
While managing him at Pride Park, Wayne Rooney waxed lyrical about the flamboyant winger
As things stand, it seems as if the 2022/23 campaign may be the last dance for Wilfried Zaha at Crystal Palace.
The Daily Mail believe those at Selhurst Park are now fearful of losing their talisman when his contract expires in July, with no progress made over a fresh deal – despite a verbal offer involving a higher salary.
Patrick Vieira has the likes of Nigeria born duo of Ebere Eze and Michael Olise to ease the pain of losing Zaha – if he does leave south London – although there is another bright talent ready to step up and replace the Ivory Coast international.
Well, Crystal Palace moved to pinch another Nigeria born player Malcolm Ebiowei on a free transfer after his contract at Derby expired, and the 19-year-old has looked electric in his appearances so far.
The teenager has a similarly stocky frame to the Ivorian, while he always shapes his body to take on his man before producing in the final third – his playing style is eerily similar to that of a young Zaha.
Ebiowei has already been trusted to make two Premier League appearances under Vieira, in which he has certainly not looked scared to play at this level.
However, his displays for the Under-21 side have been statement performances.
As you can tell, Ebiowei gives off the impression that he is far too good to play at that level, and the only thing seemingly keeping him from playing more Premier League football is the competition ahead of him in SE25.
The likes of Zaha, Olise, Eze, Odsonne Edouard and Jordan Ayew have blocked his pathway, but if the club’s talisman does depart in 2023, there will be a chance for Ebiowei to step up – he certainly has the talent to do so.
While managing him at Pride Park, Wayne Rooney waxed lyrical about the flamboyant winger.
As quoted by The Athletic, he said: “His attitude is incredible, and he’s an exciting young player.”
Rooney’s comments came after a 1-1 draw against Coventry back in March, in which he described Ebiowei’s performance as “one of the best I have seen from a young player consistently for 90 minutes in a long time.”
The Athletic add that Ebiowei chose Crystal Palace over Manchester United.
Vieira has an astonishing talent right under his nose, and if Crystal Palace fail to give him a chance should Zaha depart in 2023, it would be heavily unjust.
