Alan Pardew compares Wilfried Zaha to Chelsea's Eden Hazard as both need a wake-up call

Alan Pardew admits Wilfried Zaha needs a wake-up call

ALAN PARDEW has compared wingman Wilfried Zaha to Chelsea superstar Eden Hazard and claims: “Both of them need a wake-up call.”

 

Zaha is the brilliant talent attempting to convince Pardew he is worth a regular place in the Crystal palace starting line-up while Hazard, the double Footballer of the Year, has been so below-par this season he was left out of Champions League action in midweek.

Palace face West Brom and former manager Tony Pulis this afternoon and Zaha was rumoured to be one of the reasons Pulis walked out of Selhurst Park, after being informed the England wingman was on his way back from Manchester United.

 

His talents could be needed today to unlock an Albion defence that has not conceded an away goal in the League this season, and Pardew said: “He has definitely improved this season, and we face a difficult match against a very organised side who have kept 14 clean sheets in 2015 and will be hard to get through.”

Pulis was never quite sure about Zaha's magical skills and Pardew added: “I have not been displeased with Wilf. He's made an impact so far but it is always about consistency.

 

“Sometimes he needs a nudge or two as a reminder to produce the kind of performances that would guarantee his place.

“As for going past defenders and making something happen, you have to give him nine out of 10. There are not many in this League as good as he is at taking people on.

“But look at Hazard, right now he also needs a nudge or a wake-up call, but how do you create a winning mentality?  It's important because wingers like Wilf and Hazard can come on and change games with greater success than other players.

“I know Albion haven't let in a goal away from home in the League, but when we went to Watford last week they hadn't been beaten at home or, conceded at Vicarage Road.

'Tony knows I will try to attack his side, and he will have a plan, like he did last season when they beat us with two setpiece goals.”

Palace need to starting winning at Selhurst. They have taken three points there only once this season and three of their next four games are at home.