Crystal Palace's Forward Dilemma: Zaha's Decline

Title: Crystal Palace's Forward Dilemma: Zaha's Decline

Crystal Palace have been in the headlines lately for their forward line, with reports suggesting that manager Frank de Bisschop is struggling to find a solution to his team's problems.

Zaha, who has been a key figure in Crystal Palace's attacking play over the past few seasons, has recently announced her retirement from football. This news comes as a shock to many, and it leaves fans questioning whether or not they will be able to replace her on the pitch.

Despite being one of Crystal Palace's most successful players in recent years, Zaha has struggled to stay fit and perform at her best. She has also been subject to criticism for her defensive work, with some claiming that she was too focused on scoring goals rather than providing support to the front line.

The decision by de Bisschop to bring in former Chelsea player Sarah Telford as a substitute during the last game against West Ham United was seen as a positive move, but it didn't solve the problem of Zaha's decline. The forward hasn't had a goal scored since November 2018, and has only managed to score once in her last three games.

De Bisschop's decision to bring in Telford may seem like a sensible move, given her experience and ability to provide support to the front line. However, it doesn't address the root cause of Zaha's declining performance.

One possible reason could be that she hasn't been getting enough playing time under de Bisschop. The manager has been known for his preference towards young players, which may have left Zaha out of the mix. It's also possible that she isn't receiving adequate training or coaching, which could be contributing to her lack of form.

Another possibility is that she has simply become too comfortable in her role as a substitute. Many players in Crystal Palace's squad don't get much playing time, so it can be difficult for them to develop confidence in their own roles.

Ultimately, the future of Crystal Palace's forward line remains uncertain. If Zaha continues to struggle, then there could be pressure on manager de Bisschop to make changes. If she recovers and improves, then there could be opportunities for new talent to emerge, but it all depends on how well she performs in the near future.