Liverpool vs Crystal Palace: 3 key players – Virgil van Dijk vs Wilfried Zaha

Wilfried Zaha

If there’s one player who can change things for Palace, it’s their star man Zaha.

With only three goals five assists in 30 Premier League appearances, it might not seem like the Eagles man is that destructive. Based on stats alone, he wouldn’t break a list of the best Premier League wingers.

However, speak to any Palace fan and they’ll be happy to inform you about his various qualities. Zaha made both goals against Bournemouth, even though he didn’t register the assist or hit the back of the net.

His movement is at an elite level, his pace and dribbling ability are unique to any player in the lower half of the Premier League and he’s the second most fouled in the top flight – behind Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish.

Palace have got a smattering of talented attackers, although most of them are more workman than showman. Max Meyer always threatens to deceive, Jordan Ayew always seems to be in the right place at the right time, Andros Townsend has the spectacular in his locker.

But it’s Zaha who they look to most. He’s the talisman. The local boy come good. And when you shut him down, Palace are a lot less dangerous. This will be their only key man for the midweek clash.