‘Zaha has the same kind of ability as Neymar,’ says former team-mate

Everton flyer Yannick Bolasie says his former Crystal Palace team-mate Wilfried Zaha is similar to Neymar.

Zaha, who flopped at Manchester Unite after signing for £10million in January 2013, is back at Selhurst Park after two loan spells with Palace and he is currently in the form that persuaded United to sign him four years ago.

Zaha, 24, who recently turned his back on England to play for the Ivory Coast, has scored six goals and assisted 11 goals in his 30 games for Palace this season and his former pal Bolasie is not surprised.

In an exclusive interview with ESPN FC, Bolasie piled the praise on Zaha.

“He can go as far as he wants. I said the other day that he’s got the same kind of ability as Neymar and people were raising their eyebrows,” said the Everton man.

“But now they’re starting to see it and nobody is saying anything anymore! I’m just kind of laughing to myself and I’m like ‘Well, I said that already’. It’s whether people take notice or not.

“He’s catching the eye now and doing well for himself. At the moment, he’s helping Palace a lot.”

Bolasie also spoke about his hopes of returning for a European campaign with Everton next season.

“Obviously, but the team right now is doing great. My dream was always to get Everton to Europe but the team are doing it right now and it’s looking like we might be in Europe next season. Hopefully, I can come back and be like a new signing,” added 27-year-old Bolasie.

Bolasie, who could be out until the end of the year, also revealed he is keeping his spirits up after seriously injuring his knee in December against Manchester United.

“I’ve been working hard to try and get back at an earlier time, but I’ve been speaking to the manager, the coaching staff and the players and [having] banter. It’s been all good,” added Bolasie.

“To be honest, where I am in the changing room and in the physio room, I can’t really see out on to the [training] pitch so it’s not too bad. I think it would have been worse if it was open and you can see everyone training, then it hits you a little bit more.

“I’m in a good place now. I don’t know how long it is until I’m jogging, but as soon as I start jogging then I’ll start seeing real, real light then, that’s for sure.”