Crystal Palace opinion: Should the Eagles replace Zaha with Lookman?

English news outlet the Daily Mail has reported that Crystal Palace are considering Ademola Lookman as a potential option to replace Wilfried Zaha. The former Manchester United player has been linked with a move and has even said he wants Champions League football (Independent).

This revelation will be a big problem for Crystal Palace, as Zaha is their talisman. This has caused a few issues, as manager Roy Hodgson has effectively built his team around Zaha.

It has worked over the last few seasons, with Zaha scoring 9 goals and 8 assists this season, 9 goals in the previous season and 7 goals the season before last.

The tally makes him Crystal Palace’s second highest scorer in each of the above mentioned seasons, behind Luka Milivojevic and Christian Benteke. It shows just how involved the Ivory Coast star is and how difficult replacing him will be.

Ademola Lookman is of a similar profile, but the 21-year-old has struggled to make an impact under Marco Silva. The English winger impressed during his loan spell with RB Leipzig.

In fact, he impressed the German side’s officials so much, that they are still keen on a permanent move (Sky Sports). It shows the raw talent that Lookman has, which makes him eerily similar to what Zaha was when he arrived.

Under the right conditions and the right manager, Ademola Lookman has the ability to grow into his position and would effectively be the perfect replacement for the Eagles. But he will need help.

Barring Milivojevic and Zaha this season, Palace have struggled to find goals, with Andros Townsend scoring only four goals so far this season.

This is why Roy Hodgson needs to consider adding another striker, especially if Christian Benteke’s struggle in front of goal continues.

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Conclusion

There aren’t many who could do an effective job of replacing Wilfried Zaha for Crystal Palace.

But as mentioned above, the 21-year-old cannot and should not be made to do it all alone. He needs back-up and with a little help, the Eagles will be able to patch over Zaha’s absence in the club.