September 24 2014

Yannick Bolasie

The performance and victory at Everton has given everyone associated with Crystal Palace a timely boost – while Yannick Bolasie's display is a particular cause for optimism.

The Eagles' unexpected, impressive 3-2 success on Merseyside – a repeat of the scoreline from last season – could well be the platform manager Neil Warnock will use to build what will hopefully be another campaign that ends with his side keeping hold of their top-flight status.

There were positives to take all over the pitch with the way Palace weathered the early Everton storm to then go on and take the game to their supposed superior rivals being chief among them.

However, Bolasie's contribution caught the eye especially and the exciting winger should now go from strength to strength under Warnock and fulfil his potential as an emerging Premier League star.

Some fans will have been disappointed when they saw the team-sheet with Wilfried Zaha being replaced by Bolasie, but the decision was vindicated when the latter scored what turned out to be the crucial third goal – his first in the Premier League for Palace.

Warnock admits the 25-year-old can be unpredictable and, while that is not necessarily an attribute to dislike in a winger, the Congolese international probably does need to add some consistency to his game.

Mistakes in possession are often ruthlessly punished at this level and Bolasie clearly needs to ensure he is not sloppy with the ball in key areas.

He has a tendancy to sometimes 'switch off' at the most inopportune moment and Warnock will be keen to make sure he does not become complacent and continues to develop.

His work with the ball – when he does get it right – is often breathtaking and there is no doubt the former Bristol City man has talent to burn.

That, coupled with an impressive turn of pace, mark him out as one of Palace's chief creators in the final third and he should provide plenty of threat from out wide as the season progresses.

Warnock is certainly a fan. "I've seen Yannick for a long time now and he always contributes and is a threat," he said.

"The problem with him is he doesn't know what he's going to do next so the defenders have got no chance. He was very positive against Everton and he covered a lot of ground."

While his goal and general attacking play was often outstanding, the way Bolasie went about tracking back and putting in the hard yards for his team in a defensive manner was also very pleasing.

He could have had another goal when he struck the woodwork, albeit with the help of a deflection, but the display was one of real promise on an individual basis.

Bolasie is by no means guaranteed a regular starting role under Warnock, especially with Zaha and Jason Puncheon knocking around, as Palace try to defy the bet365 odds and stay up, but more performances like the one he turned in at Goodison Park will surely leave the Eagles boss with little choice.