Bournemouth boss: Zaha outstanding, but there’s more to Palace

by Graeme Jackson

Saturday Sep 29, 2018. 13:00

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe says Wilfried Zaha is an ‘outstanding player’ but insists there is more to Crystal Palace than just the Ivorian winger.

The Cherries will host the Eagles in a crunch Premier League match on Monday night. With Palace having gone more than two years since they last won a game in which Zaha didn’t play, it’s natural that much of the focus falls on the Ivory Coast attacker.

Howe acknowledges that Zaha is one of the Premier League’s best, but insists Palace remain a dangerous prospect with or without him.

"He is an outstanding player. He did well against us in the two games last year, we found him difficult to deal with," Howe said to Sky Sports.

"From our prospective that is something we will look to improve. As I would say with any team it is not just him.

"Yes we need to deal with, be aware of and you have Andros Townsend on the other wing who has had a good start to the season.

"When [Christian] Benteke plays he is a focal point for them, they have got excellent midfielders, a lot of experience.

"So there are a lot of areas that they manage very well. But of course we have good players the other way. We know if we are at the top of our game we are a match for anyone."