Crystal Palace winger Wilfred Zaha deserves Champions League football, says Andros Townsend

Matt Davies12 August 2020

Andros Townsend reveals Wilfred Zaha is the "most talented" player he has ever played with, insisting the Crystal Palace man should be playing in the Champions League.

The Ivory Coast international is heavily linked with a move away from Selhurst Park once more this summer after manager Roy Hodgson confirmed the player's desire to leave the club.

After a career-best total of 10 goals and assists the 2018-19 Premier League campaign, Zaha's form subsequently dropped following a lengthy transfer saga with Arsenal, who eventually opted for Nicolas Pepe instead.

Zaha scored just four goals this season but remains to be linked elsewhere; and while Townsend hopes his team-mate stays, he admits the forward should be playing in Europe's premier club competition.

“Wilfried Zaha could play for the very best in the world,” Townsend told talkSPORT. “He’s the most talented player I’ve ever played with and he should be playing in the Champions League.

Getty Images

“I’m very grateful that we have him at Palace, everyone at the club is grateful, and if we have him beyond this window we’d be even more grateful!

“If that’s the case I’m sure he’ll knuckle down and have another great season.

“He deserves to be playing at the highest level, but as long as he’s a Palace player and I'm hopeful it does continue beyond this window, we’re grateful and delighted to have him.”

Zaha recently distanced himself from talk to the Gunners after pictures of him pointing towards a 'Zaha to Arsenal' sign on holiday recently went viral.

And with Arsenal close to the signing of Willian on a three-year deal, they now look an unlikely destination for Zaha.

Regardless, talk of his exit will likely roll on throughout the summer, though with Palace placing a £70million valuation on the 27-year-old, finding a potential suitor may be a challenge.

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