Crystal Palace’s Williams compares 'irreplaceable' Zaha with Bale, Neymar

Crystal Palace midfielder Jonny Williams has compared want-away Wilfried Zaha to Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale and Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar.

Last season, the Cote d'Ivoire international played a pivotal role as Roy Hodgson’s men avoided relegation to finish 11th in the English Premier League table. The former Manchester United winger scored nine league goals, laying three others to grateful teammates.

On the back of that performance, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have been strongly linked with the forward, under contract with the Eagles till 2022.

However, Williams who plays alongside Bale in Wales national team has likened the impact of Zaha to the Real Madrid star while urging Palace not allow their ‘irreplaceable’ star leave.

“I just think he'll be such a big miss [if he leaves],” Williams told Express Sport.

“A bit similar to when we play for Wales and we're missing Bale. It's that effect he has on the Crystal Palace team.

“He is our star man and everyone knows that. That's why he's getting talked about with big teams wanting him because I think he's at that point now where if big teams take him I think he'll kick on again because it's all there for him.

“It's just up to him now but then I don't think Palace can afford to let him go.

“I don't think it's possible to replace him. I think the effects he has single-handedly on games, as I saw against Reading, he just takes it into his own hands with the responsibility to win games by himself.

“His ability is up there, it's the best I've seen and always has been. I think he's got that ability to go round people like they're not there and he just seems to enjoy it with all his tricks.

“He reminded me of Neymar against Reading to be honest. He's just a joy to watch and play alongside.”