Wilfried Zaha might not be the only Crystal Palace youngster to make the step up to the Premier League next season, as out of the limelight Zaha’s team-mate Jonathan Williams has also been turning in some head-turning performances in the Eagles’ push for promotion.
Wales supporters feared for their team when Gareth Bale was forced to come off at half time against Scotland at Hampden Park. However, he was replaced by 19 year old Crystal Palace midfielder Jonathan Williams who turned in an notable display, replicating his club form in the Championship this year. Having represented his country at every youth level, Williams won his first full international cap with his second half entrance against Scotland and followed it up with a starting place in the qualifier against Croatia four days later.
In spite of Wales’ agonising late defeat to the Croats and the effective end of their World Cup Qualifying campaign, manager Chris Coleman was quick to single out Jonathan Williams for praise and as a beacon of optimism for the future of the Welsh national team:
“Jonnie Williams is 19 and he has done a great job for Palace“. “He has a good future and he has been exciting this camp“.
At just 5 feet 6 inches, Williams’ small physical stature and his highly praised eye for a pass has already earned him comparisons with Andres Iniesta and Manchester City’s David Silva.
Furthermore, there have been rumours that Williams may be teaming up with David Silva next season, with recent reports in the Mirror claiming that the current Premier League champions may make an £8million bid for the young Welsh midfielder this summer after City Assistant Boss David Platt spent a match at Selhurst Park monitoring Williams’ performance.
Whether he plays in the Premier League with either Palace or City next season remains to be seen, however what doesn’t seem to be in doubt is that Jonathan Williams is certainly a star who’s stock is quickly rising and we are likely to see him test himself at the top level sooner rather than later.