Wilfried Zaha is the biggest talent to emerge from Crystal Palace
since Arsenal legend Ian Wright, according to BBC Sport pundit Mark
Bright.
Bright played with Wright at Palace and now helps out as a coach at the club.
Zaha, 20, has been called up by England for Wednesday's friendly in Sweden and Bright says the winger could be even better than his former team-mate.
"Potential-wise Wilfried represents the biggest talent to come from the Palace youth system," he said.
"He is probably the best prospect we [Palace] have had in terms of what he could go on to achieve."
Bright and Wright formed one of
the top-flight's most dangerous partnerships during their spell at
Palace and helped the Selhurst Park club to finish as FA Cup runners-up
in 1990.
Wright went on to join Arsenal in 1991 and scored 185
goals for the Gunners in 279 appearances, while he also earned 33
England caps with a tally of nine international goals.
Zaha is a transfer target for several Premier League clubs and Bright knows him well.
"He has the potential to make as big an impact as Ian," said Bright. "He is a little bit different like Ian was. Ian wasn't a winger as he played through the middle.
"Wrighty was 23 when he turned pro. Wilfried has played more than 100 games in the league and he's got an England call-up.
"You have to say just by those numbers that at his age he is a better player than Ian Wright, who went on to great success. I'm sure Wilfried wants to make his mark as well."
"Wilfried is a little unhappy with how he's been portrayed as some kind of young and arrogant kid who doesn't care for anybody or their reputation. But it's not the case. He is a respectful person."
Zaha's performances in helping
Palace to the top of the Championship have brought him to the attention
of England boss Roy Hodgson, but the forward could still opt to play for
Ivory Coast as the game against Sweden is a friendly.
However, Bright believes the youngster is starting to
fulfil the potential those at Palace see in him and that Zaha can also
handle his rapid rise.
"In my opinion, Wilfried is the most exciting player outside the Premier League," said Bright, who also played for Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton.
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