Patrick Vieira reveals why Wilfried Zaha has looked a different player since returning from AFCON

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira says Wilfried Zaha is benefiting from a new form of support system and beginning to look like the player who will take Palace to Special places.

The Eagles talisman has regained form, and is playing with desire after a slow start to the season.

He has scored eight goals including a goal of the season contender against Watford, with most fans feeling that he has looked different and playing with the right attitude after returning from the AFCON.

There had been reports that he was not suited to the brand of football Palace were playing, and the team was moving away from the days that they required a moment of magic from the winger before they could win.

But Vieira speaking ahead of the weekend’s visit to Wolves says he has been happy with the 29-year-old’s improved performances, but it was as a result of the collective improvement of the people playing around him.

He said: “Wilfried at the moment really enjoys football. He goes on the field and enjoys playing with his team mates.

“This is the message I’ve been sending to him. It’s not about the quality because we all know what he is capable of doing.

“I wanted and want him to understand his responsibility in the squad because of his experience and what he achieved at this football club - he has come through the academy and been an example for a lot of young players we have.

“We have Tyrick playing and looking at Wilfried, and today they play together. I want him to understand the responsibility we want from him and be a positive leader.

“I want him to be a positive leader. He can do it. He has a big heart outside of what you guys can see of him, he has his soft side that makes him a really lovely person.”

Asked if the recent performance could also be attributed to the fact that new signing Marc Guehi has been handed the armband instead of Zaha in recent games the manager was adamant it was just because everyone was pulling in the same direction.

He added. “It’s players around him taking responsibility as well, helping to concentrate more on his football and what he can do for the team.

“This is what players around him have the responsibility to score, create goals, and take leadership. Players around him have been doing that - the fact we have a couple of players like Conor [Gallagher], Macca [McArthur]and JP [Mateta] lately who score goals.

“He doesn’t have to focus on scoring for us to win games. He knows players around him can do it and that has taken some pressure off his shoulders to allow him to just play football.”