Wilfried Zaha, Ebeki Eze, or Michael Oliz? Crystal Palace legend Joel Word’s Club’s “unparalleled” star Premier League era

They were unable to carry the palace to FA Cup glory more than Eze as England International Net netted the third round with Stockport, the quarter-finals with Fulham, the semi-final clash with Aston Villa and the only goal for Pep Guardiola’s side into the net.

“Wilff’s natural ability in the 1V1 situation was special,” said Ward, who left the palace as a free agent in June.

“Wilff was with the club for a long time, and what he achieved was unparalleled. His 1V1 capabilities were just horrifying.

“Along with Michael Oris, his final product was incredible. His understanding of his game and his intelligence made him stand out. He was the one who grabbed the game with the prime minister of the neck and influenced it.

“EBS (eze), all I say is finesse. Honestly, it’s a joy to see how he moves and how he controls and manipulates the ball.

“They are all incredibly talented and illuminate the world.”

However, when pushed to choose a favorite, Ward chose Zaha, who had passed through the academy to promote the palace in 2013, making 458 appearances at the club and falling forever as the club legend at Selhurst Park.

“It’s unparalleled for what Wilf did for the club,” Ward continued. “Because of the time he played for the club and how he kept a palace almost alone in the Premier League for many years. I think he’s a benchmark guy.”

Ward was the captain of a club promoted from the championship 12 years ago, and lifted the Palace FA Cup as the sole survivor on the side.

The 35-year-old joined the Eagles in 2012 under Dougie Freedman for just £500,000, and continued to make 364 appearances.

His time at the Palace reached the trophy in 10 different permanent managers, promotions, a span of relegation fights, a final defeat in the FA Cup to Manchester United in 2016, and finally his final season with the club.

Ward said: “It was pure joy to win the playoff final and be promoted to the Premier League. I remember sprinting around the pitch after I didn’t know what the game really should do.

“It was a bit the same on May 17th (FA Cup final), and when that last whi was blown away, joy and emotion were carried over, and fans couldn’t believe it that day.

“It’s incredibly incredible to give them that moment, and we’re so lucky and blessed to be able to do it.”

Of course, much of the palace’s success is credited to Glasner, who changed clubs since being taken over from Roy Hodgson in February 2024.

“He’s the person who sets the standards,” Ward said of the Austrian. “He will set an example and take a picture of you very clearly.

“He’s certainly someone who brings out the best in the players, and that’s what you want as a manager. You don’t just want to make your team successful, you also want to build and lift the standards around you. He’s made this club stronger.”

There was also continued transfer speculation surrounding Key Palace team members Eze and Mark Guech.

But Ward believes that despite the turbulence of the summer, the Eagles can move from strength to strength.

He said: “When you win, there is a certain sense of topic and momentum. I can speak from my experience, but when you have that momentum with you and you have a taste for success, you want to continue the journey.

“Also, winning and success are addictive, so everyone is creating that upward trajectory at the club.

Of course, Ward’s right backbirth and second shirt are in good hands, while Daniel Munoz is the central gear in Glasner’s 5-2-3 system.

“(Munoz) has an incredible engine,” Ward continued. “But the way he sees the game along with his attitude, commitment and desire speaks volume.

“This palace group is incredibly talented and I think it’s one of the brightest teams we’ve had. I put the name on a piece of paper and I looked at the palace team and they said, ‘It’s the costume!”

“From afar, I just wanted to do my best for them and look forward to continuing on their journey. They all have goals they want to achieve, so it’s exciting to see what that entails.”