Dietmar Hamann: 'Hype around Wilfried Zaha is too early'

Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann believes that the hype surrounding Crystal Palace youngster Wilfried Zaha could be detrimental to the winger.

The 20-year-old has been in the spotlight following his call-up to the England squad for their friendly against Sweden this week.

Despite all the recent praise surrounding Zaha, former Germany international Hamann believes that there is a risk that the winger could suffer the same fate as Arsenal star Theo Walcott, who had a lot of promise after being taken to the 2006 World Cup but failed to make an impact.

"I don't like all the hype that's already circling round the kid Zaha," Hamann said on Twitter. "Yes he is exceptionally talented but that's all it is so far. Lessons seem not to have been learnt from Walcott a few years ago."

Reports have claimed that Zaha has been scouted by a number of Premier League clubs.