Wilfried Zaha - Sold to Crystal Palace

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Hound Dog said:
I was thinking about him today for some reason... I think he will go down as one of SAF's worst ever signings... He cannot even hold down a regular first team spot at Cardiff. If he was 18-19, that woukd be understandable, but he turned 21 in November.

Given his positiin, he should be showing far more at his current age.
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What a ridiculous statement. Zaha signed for SAF but never played under him. And how is Zaha his worse ever signing? You mustn't have seen Bellion, Miller, Kleberson, Prunier, Taibi play.

Zaha played only 2 games under Moyes, that's David Moyes, who just screwed up our season and who thought he knew better than our greatest ever manager who saw something in a player to pay £15m. And do players never improve after 21? Cleverley impressed out on loan, but he's not done it at a big club so the loan system is not always the best indicator.

Zaha deserves a proper chance under a good manager. Then if it doesn't work out, so be it.
 
Mainoldo said:
LVG will straighting him out. Dutch know all about egos.
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I was about to bump this thread with the same idea. Everybody seems to agree that LVG is brilliant at getting the most out of rough diamonds, and there are none rougher than Zaha.
 
Would Zaha have improved more if let him stay at Palace for another season, this time in the Premier League?
 
saivet said:
What did he say?
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They showed a load of clips of Zaha basically strolling around the pitch while his teammates (namely Campbell) were absolutely busting a gut. There was one clip where Campbell ran from his own area to close down the Sunderland back four, overtaking Zaha on the way who was already on the halfway line when Campbell was still in the area. It was quite funny tbh. They also showed him losing the ball a few times far to easily.
 
Seems like he doesn't have the right mentality, or nearly enough of it to last in the PL. He's a rough diamond, and I doubt he'll last.
 
I think he'll remain on loan next season but obviously not at Cardiff, and then he'll be sold the summer after to a club like Newcastle or West Ham.
 
I was critical of him a couple of pages back, but when I think about it, he's very unfortunate to have been signed by Sir Alex, who then left before he even got to play for him.
Left in limbo and it shows in his performances. He doesn't know if he's coming or going.
 
Difficult season for the lad, he obviously possesses the raw talent, whether or not he holds the temperament though...
 
Shearer was right about him today, disgraceful by Zaha to come on whilst Cardiff were down to ten men and not even try a leg.

He's done absolutely nothing outside of the Championship, yet he seem's to have a massive attitude problem, always bloody sulking over something.

If he pulls any of those strops for us next season, ship him out ASAP.
 
I think he needed someone like Fergie to manage and bring out the talent in him. Shame Fergie left and he is just running around like a headless chicken wasting his potential.
 
I think we made a massive mistake in not loaning him out to Palace from the beginning of the season - he had a chance to develop in a team where the fans would cut him some slack because of what he'd did for them the previous year. Instead he went to Cardiff at a time when they couldn't tolerate players still learning their trade. Moyes probably expected more from him.
 
I've slated him numerous times and I'll continue to do so. He's utterly useless. I don't know what potential people are seeing, but even if it exists (it bloody doesn't), he doesn't have anything near the commitment required to realize said potential.
 
Why the media spotlight follows this lad around I have no idea. Its not like we see him falling out of nightclubs or anything. SAF seen something in him, as most did if they were honest and given the context, had a cracking pre season. I was excited to see him in the first team then nothing. Ok, I don't know what went on but I watched most of the reverse games and the lad gave 100% every one I watched. He was miles ahead of most players he played with or against.

Rather than send him somewhere he could develop, DM in his wisdom sends him to a club with the craziest chairman, the most inexperience manager and a team that was clearly going to play to a brand of football that I'm not sure Zaha's game was suited too.

We have lads out on loan, and if I'm honest bar Powell, I couldn't tell you how they were doing. Anyone with an inch of talent in this country gets vilified by the media. I do wonder sometimes why these statements appear to mainly target same young players...Sturridge at Chelsea, Sterling was another most recently. Sayin' that, I use to read the same rubbish attached to John Barnes. Sometimes I really uncomfortable about how the media portray some footballers. I think they come from the same school of thought as Big stupid Ron....
 
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Wilson Litchmore said:
Why the media spotlight follows this lad around I have no idea. Its not like we see him falling out of nightclubs or anything. SAF seen something in him, as most did if they were honest and given the context, had a cracking pre season. I was excited to see him in the first team then nothing. Ok, I don't know what went on but I watched most of the reverse games and the lad gave 100% every one I watched. He was miles ahead of most players he played with or against.

Rather than send him somewhere he could develop, DM in his wisdom sends him to a club with the craziest chairman, the most inexperience manager and a team that was clearly going to play to a brand of football that I'm not sure Zaha's game was suited too.

We have lads out on loan, and if I'm honest bar Powell, I couldn't tell you how they were doing. Anyone with an inch of talent in this country gets vilified by the media. I do wonder sometimes why these statements appear to mainly target same young players...Sturridge at Chelsea, Sterling was another most recently. Sayin' that, I use to read the same rubbish attached to John Barnes. Sometimes I really uncomfortable about how the media portray some footballers. I think they come from the same school of thought as Big stupid Ron....
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Yeah. It seems the undertone is 'black players are trouble'.
 
Wilson Litchmore said:
Why the media spotlight follows this lad around I have no idea. Its not like we see him falling out of nightclubs or anything. SAF seen something in him, as most did if they were honest and given the context, had a cracking pre season. I was excited to see him in the first team then nothing. Ok, I don't know what went on but I watched most of the reverse games and the lad gave 100% every one I watched. He was miles ahead of most players he played with or against.

Rather than send him somewhere he could develop, DM in his wisdom sends him to a club with the craziest chairman, the most inexperience manager and a team that was clearly going to play to a brand of football that I'm not sure Zaha's game was suited too.

We have lads out on loan, and if I'm honest bar Powell, I couldn't tell you how they were doing. Anyone with an inch of talent in this country gets vilified by the media. I do wonder sometimes why these statements appear to mainly target same young players...Sturridge at Chelsea, Sterling was another most recently. Sayin' that, I use to read the same rubbish attached to John Barnes. Sometimes I really uncomfortable about how the media portray some footballers. I think they come from the same school of thought as Big stupid Ron....
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I think this is one of a number of reasons and probably one of the main ones.
 
Wilson Litchmore said:
Why the media spotlight follows this lad around I have no idea. Its not like we see him falling out of nightclubs or anything. SAF seen something in him, as most did if they were honest and given the context, had a cracking pre season. I was excited to see him in the first team then nothing. Ok, I don't know what went on but I watched most of the reverse games and the lad gave 100% every one I watched. He was miles ahead of most players he played with or against.

Rather than send him somewhere he could develop, DM in his wisdom sends him to a club with the craziest chairman, the most inexperience manager and a team that was clearly going to play to a brand of football that I'm not sure Zaha's game was suited too.

We have lads out on loan, and if I'm honest bar Powell, I couldn't tell you how they were doing. Anyone with an inch of talent in this country gets vilified by the media. I do wonder sometimes why these statements appear to mainly target same young players...Sturridge at Chelsea, Sterling was another most recently. Sayin' that, I use to read the same rubbish attached to John Barnes. Sometimes I really uncomfortable about how the media portray some footballers. I think they come from the same school of thought as Big stupid Ron....
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Big Ron is not a racist - same as Father Ted :D

Interestingly enough, Big Ron was on Danny Kelly's "My Sporting Life" slot on Talksport tonight. It was a crackin show. I might have picked it up wrong, but i think Ron said that he was only quoting what someone else (Probably Aragones - Spains old racist / fascist cnut of a Manager) had said during his rant at Chelsea's players poor showing in a European semi-final game & that he's "loads of black friends.."
 
100 said:
I think we made a massive mistake in not loaning him out to Palace from the beginning of the season - he had a chance to develop in a team where the fans would cut him some slack because of what he'd did for them the previous year. Instead he went to Cardiff at a time when they couldn't tolerate players still learning their trade. Moyes probably expected more from him.
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Not sure. He would have played under Holloway. They would have been in the same position either way. Holloway fired, Pulis hired. He's got no place with Pulis. Not with his work ethic and attitude.
 
Wilson Litchmore said:
Why the media spotlight follows this lad around I have no idea. Its not like we see him falling out of nightclubs or anything. SAF seen something in him, as most did if they were honest and given the context, had a cracking pre season. I was excited to see him in the first team then nothing. Ok, I don't know what went on but I watched most of the reverse games and the lad gave 100% every one I watched. He was miles ahead of most players he played with or against.

Rather than send him somewhere he could develop, DM in his wisdom sends him to a club with the craziest chairman, the most inexperience manager and a team that was clearly going to play to a brand of football that I'm not sure Zaha's game was suited too.

We have lads out on loan, and if I'm honest bar Powell, I couldn't tell you how they were doing. Anyone with an inch of talent in this country gets vilified by the media. I do wonder sometimes why these statements appear to mainly target same young players...Sturridge at Chelsea, Sterling was another most recently. Sayin' that, I use to read the same rubbish attached to John Barnes. Sometimes I really uncomfortable about how the media portray some footballers. I think they come from the same school of thought as Big stupid Ron....
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It's because he cost 15 million and shown nothing to justify that in the past 12 months.

It's because of their attitude. They've got loads of talent, get paid loads of money, cost lot of money to purchase and people pay to see them and they behave poorly and play badly. Nobody likes that. Sterling is by far the best of the players you mentioned. Sure he had attitude problems but he was much younger in the spotlight and was quick to get his shit together.
 
bobbyf said:
What a ridiculous statement. Zaha signed for SAF but never played under him. And how is Zaha his worse ever signing? You mustn't have seen Bellion, Miller, Kleberson, Prunier, Taibi play.

Zaha played only 2 games under Moyes, that's David Moyes, who just screwed up our season and who thought he knew better than our greatest ever manager who saw something in a player to pay £15m. And do players never improve after 21? Cleverley impressed out on loan, but he's not done it at a big club so the loan system is not always the best indicator.

Zaha deserves a proper chance under a good manager. Then if it doesn't work out, so be it.
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Agree with everything in this post but you're harsh on Kleberson. Zaha does need a chance under a proper manager. Let Van Gaal decide waht to do
 
Wilson Litchmore said:
Why the media spotlight follows this lad around I have no idea. Its not like we see him falling out of nightclubs or anything. SAF seen something in him, as most did if they were honest and given the context, had a cracking pre season. I was excited to see him in the first team then nothing. Ok, I don't know what went on but I watched most of the reverse games and the lad gave 100% every one I watched. He was miles ahead of most players he played with or against.

Rather than send him somewhere he could develop, DM in his wisdom sends him to a club with the craziest chairman, the most inexperience manager and a team that was clearly going to play to a brand of football that I'm not sure Zaha's game was suited too.

We have lads out on loan, and if I'm honest bar Powell, I couldn't tell you how they were doing. Anyone with an inch of talent in this country gets vilified by the media. I do wonder sometimes why these statements appear to mainly target same young players...Sturridge at Chelsea, Sterling was another most recently. Sayin' that, I use to read the same rubbish attached to John Barnes. Sometimes I really uncomfortable about how the media portray some footballers. I think they come from the same school of thought as Big stupid Ron....
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He sends him to Cardiff City that is managed by ex-United legend, who brought in some ex United players ( Daehli, Fabio ) and who certainly got a sentiment for United players. Cardiff was probably one of the best picks from those 'smaller' teams, what the owner does, does not matter. He's been sent to a battlefield for Premier League stay so there was a certain degree of pressure he neds to learn to deal with before joining such huge club as Manchester United. Ole gave Zaha chance, Zaha made his debut and then what ? It's a down spiral from there. No real development, acting a cnut, attitude problems, with a little bit of exaggeration from my side here, seems like Ravel 2.0. but without the gangsta shit.

From what you can read here, ever single manager of his ( Ole, Holloway, somebody more I forgot ) said about little 'problems' of Zaha, Ole said that he'll need to learn the defensive duties of a winger ( he's been half a year at our club, when we've played fecking 'defensive' football and our wingers were forced to attack and defend, how he didn't learn shit during that time is just beyond me ) and what he does is strolling around not giving a feck.

He should be fighting for his life there, he should be a hero to the people of Cardiff like Zlatan is a kind to the people of Sweden, he should lift them up, help them fight against relegation, and as it stands, he'll be just another puzzle added to their miserable relgation-to-come.

If he needs a strong hand and a slap or two, I hope that van Gaal is the man that will handle him, but if even then he shows shit attitude and problems with his head then, for my liking, he can be as good as gone, he's not worth the hassle.
 
Kostur said:
He sends him to Cardiff City that is managed by ex-United legend, who brought in some ex United players ( Daehli, Fabio ) and who certainly got a sentiment for United players. Cardiff was probably one of the best picks from those 'smaller' teams, what the owner does, does not matter. He's been sent to a battlefield for Premier League stay so there was a certain degree of pressure he neds to learn to deal with before joining such huge club as Manchester United. Ole gave Zaha chance, Zaha made his debut and then what ? It's a down spiral from there. No real development, acting a cnut, attitude problems, with a little bit of exaggeration from my side here, seems like Ravel 2.0. but without the gangsta shit.

From what you can read here, ever single manager of his ( Ole, Holloway, somebody more I forgot ) said about little 'problems' of Zaha, Ole said that he'll need to learn the defensive duties of a winger ( he's been half a year at our club, when we've played fecking 'defensive' football and our wingers were forced to attack and defend, how he didn't learn shit during that time is just beyond me ) and what he does is strolling around not giving a feck.

He should be fighting for his life there, he should be a hero to the people of Cardiff like Zlatan is a kind to the people of Sweden, he should lift them up, help them fight against relegation, and as it stands, he'll be just another puzzle added to their miserable relgation-to-come.

If he needs a strong hand and a slap or two, I hope that van Gaal is the man that will handle him, but if even then he shows shit attitude and problems with his head then, for my liking, he can be as good as gone, he's not worth the hassle.
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What's funny cause I'm not saying the lad hasn't got things that he can't improve on but that's like cursing a learner driver for driving slow? You expect young players to not be the complete package because they are young players. If you asked managers about experienced pros, they would tell you something negative about them. It's ridiculous how the media use these things to defy some players.

He's been so set up to fail like many of the young players before it. Liverpool nearly went down the same path. Sterling was made out to be greedy and thought he was big before his time. So was Sturridge at Man City and Chelsea. Interesting but another name to the list at utd was Progba. Half the stuff the media wrote about him being greedy, full of himself, big ego, lazy (what another young player) was rubbish and many on here unfortunately take the bait.....
 
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Kostur said:
He sends him to Cardiff City that is managed by ex-United legend, who brought in some ex United players ( Daehli, Fabio ) and who certainly got a sentiment for United players. Cardiff was probably one of the best picks from those 'smaller' teams, what the owner does, does not matter. He's been sent to a battlefield for Premier League stay so there was a certain degree of pressure he neds to learn to deal with before joining such huge club as Manchester United. Ole gave Zaha chance, Zaha made his debut and then what ? It's a down spiral from there. No real development, acting a cnut, attitude problems, with a little bit of exaggeration from my side here, seems like Ravel 2.0. but without the gangsta shit.

From what you can read here, ever single manager of his ( Ole, Holloway, somebody more I forgot ) said about little 'problems' of Zaha, Ole said that he'll need to learn the defensive duties of a winger ( he's been half a year at our club, when we've played fecking 'defensive' football and our wingers were forced to attack and defend, how he didn't learn shit during that time is just beyond me ) and what he does is strolling around not giving a feck.

He should be fighting for his life there, he should be a hero to the people of Cardiff like Zlatan is a kind to the people of Sweden, he should lift them up, help them fight against relegation, and as it stands, he'll be just another puzzle added to their miserable relgation-to-come.

If he needs a strong hand and a slap or two, I hope that van Gaal is the man that will handle him, but if even then he shows shit attitude and problems with his head then, for my liking, he can be as good as gone, he's not worth the hassle.
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Good post, Kos.

I hate how Vincent Tan's craziness is brought into discussions regarding Ole or Zaha. He may be a loon but has been supportive of Ole from the get go.

It is upon Zaha to prove himself now. This year, as shitty as it has been for him, should make him more determined to prove himself. It would be a tremendous waste if he lets all his talent go down the drain because of a poor attitude.
 
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I thought he looked quite good when he came on for Cardiff. He was given almost a free role which I think suits him. Unfortunately like most flair players he over does things regularly, but if he can learn to tone it down and use his skills at the right moment he could be a real threat.

Hopefully in pre season he can work hard and impress the new manager, and they might be willing to give him more time.
 
It is the problem with paying young players 40k a week. It will always be the case that for some of them that will be job done.

I wasn't up for the Zaha signing in the first place. After the events of this season we can see that he is a 'Manchester United player' in terms of raw attributes, according to Fergie and G Nev anyway.

Every time I watched him for Palace he seemed to blow hot and cold. He was a very self indulgent player too. After he signed for United I tried to look on the bright side and I was impressed surprisingly with his passing.

He is still so raw and if he lacks motivation then it seems unlikely that he can fulfill his potential. Lets hope that Van Gaal puts a rocket up his arse.
 
Jimy_Hills_Chin said:
It is the problem with paying young players 40k a week. It will always be the case that for some of them that will be job done.

I wasn't up for the Zaha signing in the first place. After the events of this season we can see that he is a 'Manchester United player' in terms of raw attributes, according to Fergie and G Nev anyway.

Every time I watched him for Palace he seemed to blow hot and cold. He was a very self indulgent player too. After he signed for United I tried to look on the bright side and I was impressed surprisingly with his passing.

He is still so raw and if he lacks motivation then it seems unlikely that he can fulfill his potential. Lets hope that Van Gaal puts a rocket up his arse.
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Sir Alex would have sorted him out.
 
Wilson Litchmore said:
What's funny cause I'm not saying the lad hasn't got things that he can't improve on but that's like cursing a learner driver for driving slow? You expect young players to not be the complete package because they are young players. If you asked managers about experienced pros, they would tell you something negative about them. It's ridiculous how the media use these things to defy some players.

He's been so set up to fail like many of the young players before it. Liverpool nearly went down the same path. Sterling was made out to be greedy and thought he was big before his time. So was Sturridge at Man City and Chelsea. Interesting but another name to the list at utd was Progba. Half the stuff the media wrote about him being greedy, full of himself, big ego, lazy (what another young player) was rubbish and many on here unfortunately take the bait.....
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This thread was bumped after a specific performance in which Zaha was demonstrably lazy. That's not a media agenda. That's just highlighting a young player who is supposed to be fighting for a place at Manchester United not working as hard as other young players in a club at the bottom of the table. Nothing to do with him not being "the complete package" and everything to do with him not putting in the effort he should be. It's really disappointing and doesn't bode well for his future career. Also confirms what his previous managers have alluded to, he's a very talented young player who just isn't working hard enough to be the best he can be.
 
I hope he'll now get another chance under the new manager, albeit one you might argue that he might not absolutely deserve, based on the things coming out of the club and his performances while on loan so far. Hopefully the penny drops, or Van Gaal shakes him up a bit. You don't want to coach all individuality out of him, but how many top clubs can carry these players that entirely do their own thing and can't be relied upon? Even Robben, for example, now seems to more understand the defensive side of his game. Hopefully Zaha will have a similar eureka moment.
 
Brophs said:
I hope he'll now get another chance under the new manager, albeit one you might argue that he might not absolutely deserve, based on the things coming out of the club and his performances while on loan so far. Hopefully the penny drops, or Van Gaal shakes him up a bit. You don't want to coach all individuality out of him, but how many top clubs can carry these players that entirely do their own thing and can't be relied upon? Even Robben, for example, now seems to more understand the defensive side of his game. Hopefully Zaha will have a similar eureka moment.
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Yeah, it's that fork in the road a tricksy young winger comes up against.

Does he take the path marked "Ronaldo" or the one marked "Quaresma"?*





*Obviously a lot of them won't even have a career as good as he's had...
 
Or does he have to decide whether to convert to being a full back or not, i.e. the Lennon or McCartney question.
 
Loublaze said:
Agree with everything in this post but you're harsh on Kleberson. Zaha does need a chance under a proper manager. Let Van Gaal decide waht to do
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How so? Kleberson did come with quite a big reputation after his performances in the 02 world cup and got nowhere near to fulfilling it with us.
 
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