Here we go with the next in our series of ‘Favourite XI’ articles.
Let’s be clear about what we are trying to achiever here. This feature is all about our FAVOURITE Palace players, while not always the BEST players that have turned out for the club. We have had plenty of likable characters throughout the years, some with an abundance of talent, while others were just lovable in one way or another.
So far we have covered the whole of the back line – Goalkeeper, Right Back, Left Back and Centre Back. Now it is time to turn our attention to the wing wizards as a selection of TEB writers pick their favourites from those that have hugged the touchline.
WILFRIED ZAHA – This lad is impossible not to love. He’s basically me on the pitch. He’s cruising and happy, complete with a smile when it goes right and a petulant little kid when it goes wrong. I’m all those things in the stands. He has his frustrating moments but that’s all part and parcel of being a Palace fan. Those northern scumbags didn’t know what they had and I was only too happy to have Wilf back home. And lest we forget the Amex? Zaha! Oh yes!
VICTOR MOSES – The now Chelsea man is a somewhat forgotten figure in Palace’s recent history. Lost somewhere in the depths of the last decade. The team that clinched Palace’s survival at Hillsborough in 2010, rightly take all the plaudits for the success that season, but Moses’ contribution in a Palace shirt is often undermined. His unique talent offered a mere highlight in a fairly bleak year for the Eagles having played a star role in each of the previous three seasons since his debut as a sixteen year old. His goals around the Christmas period in 2009-10, including a jaw-dropping overhead kick against Barnsley, were vital in keeping Palace up and building the foundations for where the club currently presides. Now a right wing back in an exciting Chelsea team, it’s great to see him finally realising his potential.
VICTOR MOSES – Skills, technique and goals, a jewel amongst the thorns that surrounded him in the dark days leading towards administration in 2010. While Clint Hill and company were busy kicking the opponents off the pitch, Moses was dancing around them as they licked their wounds. His performance at Reading was something to behold. We always knew he’d go right to the very top of the game, and he has. Also, his move to Chelsea (and the sell clause that we received) funded the signings of Yannick Bolasie, Peter Ramage, Andre Moritz, Damien Delaney and ultimately, promotion.
TOMMY BLACK – The Essex boy, who came from the Arsenal, is someone who has long held a place in my heart. He was the equivalent of Damo back in my teenage years, and I used to watch him eagerly from my seat when I sat in the Main Stand. My eyes transfixed as he used to run down the wing. He was never prolific, or had the skills and flare that some of our recent wingers have. However, he was part of the 2003 promoted team and was hugely liked by Palace fans. He was just one of those nice guys and will forever be one of my favourites.
WILFRIED ZAHA – Since breaking into the first team, Wilf has proven that the Palace style of football could still be played successfully in any division. We are no Chelsea, no Stoke, no West Brom. We do not park the bus, we attack, all guns blazing, demonstrating unbelievable skill and trickery to get the job done. He is a rough diamond, The tricks haven’t always come off and if he isn’t on his game he is pretty much useless. But, on the right day, with the right mentality, Wilf is pretty much unbeatable. Just look back at that play off final where he tore Watford to shreds and earnt that all important penalty.
JOHN SALAKO – Not sure if ‘Johny Salad’ will get many mentions but the Nigerian born winger gets my first vote. Fast and imaginative, he was a likeable player ever since he made his debut for the club in 1986. That goal in the cup against Forest from distance. That cross at Wembley in the FA Cup final for Ian Wright to score. That stint in goal to secure an all important win even though he was the smallest man on the pitch. So many great memories in a Selhurst career that saw him make over two hundred appearances in a little under ten years.
TOMMORROW WE CHOOSE OUR SECOND WINGER FOR OUR FAVOURITE PALACE XI
