Watford’s Cathcart believes Zaha will be a great

Watford defender Craig Cathcart believes Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha has to potential to develop into one of the best players in the Premier League.

Cathcart’s Watford lost 1-0 to Palace courtesy of a second-half Troy Deeney own goal – a result which leaves Watford seven points clear of the drop zone but without a league win since their 2-1 triumph against Burnley on February 4.

The Northern Irishman conceded that if Zaha plays well he is almost impossible to deal with as a defender.

But Cathcart, who has featured 12 times for the Hornets this term, enjoyed the challenge of going toe to toe with the Ivorian winger at the weekend.

(Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)

“He [Zaha] is obviously a handful. He has good strength and good ability and it was a good challenge,” said the 28-year-old defender.

“You always want to play against the top players and I am sure he will go on to be a top player.

“I think he has that potential to match those top players. On his day he is almost unplayable.”

“I can’t remember too many chances.

“He will have moments where he will dazzle but I think as a team we did well defensively to keep him quiet.”