Crystal Palace ace criticises Brighton and Southampton duo

The talented 20-year-old’s sparkling form for the Championship leaders looks set to earn him his first England cap in Wednesday’s friendly against Sweden.

Zaha has not always proved popular with opponents, but the youngster is happy to make his point on the pitch and let others do the talking.

He told national newspapers: “Last season Guly do Prado at Southampton grabbed me and said ‘Respect me’. I’m thinking, ‘I don’t know you, I don’t care who you are, so why should I?’

“It even happens before games now. Brighton’s manager Gus Poyet said Will Buckley is better than me, but I don’t see the point of coming out with nonsense like that.

“Now I don’t bite, I just keep my head down and don’t care.

“When I’ve got the ball at my feet I do wonder what goes through a defender’s head when the Palace fans are singing ‘He’s just too good for you’.”