Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew has claimed that Wilfried Zaha has the 'potential' to represent Real Madrid or Barcelona in the future, but has to "address his goals and assists" before being recognised as a top player.
Zaha returned to Palace from Manchester United in 2015 after struggling to make his mark at Old Trafford, and scored five times in 43 appearances for the Eagles last season.
The 23-year-old was the subject of a bid from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer transfer window, but Pardew has expressed doubt as to whether the attacker is ready to make the step into Champions League football.
"This club took him back from Man United when things weren't going so well and put their money where their mouth is to bring him back," Pardew told the Croydon Advertiser. "He's done great for me, but I think there's improvement in him. I do think he's got some improvements to make to be a top player."
"I think we're a good platform for him to do that in the Premier League. I have tried to say to him I want him to be a massive success here. If Spurs blew us out of the water or Man City offered £50m and it was Champions League football, okay, it's because you're the finished product.
"This is what Wilf's ambition should be, but he needs to address his goals and assists. If a club came in with, say, £50-£60m – let's say a Manchester City, Barcelona or Real Madrid, and he's got 10 goals and nine assists – as his manager at Crystal Palace I can't really stand in his way. I don't think our fans would either. He knows he isn't there yet and he has no problem seeing that. I have told him that. Potentially, he could be."
Zaha has started two of Palace's three Premier League matches this season.
Matt Law
