Crystal Palace's Ivorian striker Wilfried Zaha runs with the ball during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Brighton and Hove Albion at Selhurst Park in south London on October 18, 2020. (Photo by PETER CZIBORRA / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by PETER CZIBORRA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
According to The Sun, Wilfried Zaha has emerged as a possible target for Everton. However, Zaha has been a target for the Toffees for over a year now. The problem has been Crystal Palace’s asking price of £70m. After another good start to the season, Everton are expected to make the move in January.
Sometimes it’s easy to forget how long Wilfried Zaha has been around given he is still only 28. He has come a long way from not making the cut at Manchester United to making a name for himself at Crystal Palace.
It was definitely not easy for him though, given his disappointing loan spell at Cardiff. Since then, he has made 230 appearances for Palace, scoring 44 goals and providing 44 assists. (h/t Transfermarkt)
The Ivorian has been Palace’s go-to man for the last few seasons, bagging goals every season to keep them in the Premier League. Despite not being surrounded by star-studded cast, Zaha has often taken it upon himself to produce the goods.
A lethal winger with a ferocious eye for goal, Zaha always has a trick or two up his sleeve to befuddle opponents. His dribbling, pace and trickery make him one of the toughest players to defend against.
Everton have been one of the surprise packages this season. They have picked up 29 points in 15 league games and have been a delight to the eyes. Obviously, the addition of Allan, James Rodriguez and Abdoulaye Doucoure has helped. Yet, there remains room for improvement, especially after what we saw in certain games. They have looked bereft of their usual swagger in the absence of James Rodriguez or Richarlison.
Here, the addition of Zaha would do wonders for Carlo Ancelotti. A forward who can play anywhere across the frontline, his introduction from the right would free up James to play in a No.10 role. Zaha’s natural ability to get goals would ease some of the burden on Calvert-Lewin too.
It would also add to the squad depth as Everton lack genuine game-changers in their second-string side. Wilfried Zaha would be a very good signing for Everton provided they can pull off a deal.