American media make their feelings clear on Wilfried Zaha after his MLS debut for Charlotte

The American media have given their thoughts on Wilfried Zaha after he made his MLS debut for Charlotte FC on Saturday, 1 March.

Zaha, 32, is best known for his time in the Premier League with Crystal Palace, having played 458 times for the Eagles.

He has also played for Manchester United, Cardiff City, Galatasaray, and Lyon but was recently loaned to MLS outfit Charlotte – managed by former Leicester City and Aston Villa boss Dean Smith.

On Saturday, Zaha made his first appearance for his new club and marked his debut with a goal and an assist in a 2-0 win against Atlanta United at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

"I think it's a statement," Zaha told MLS Season Pass after the victory.

"Me coming here to score goals, the whole team are working hard and we're just taking opportunities as well, so that shows to every other team in the league that we mean business this season."

“It's been an amazing week,” he added. "I've managed to witness the birth of my daughter, so I feel like that's given me extra power, extra strength going into this game.”

The country’s media also gave their thoughts on the Ivorian’s debut for his new club.

Journalist Caleb Adams said: “Outside of his goal contributions, Zaha showed leadership and real determination. At halftime, he demanded more from his team. Yelling at them to raise their standards because he wants to win.

"He played the full 90 despite having every excuse to come off. I remember him sprinting back on defense even around the 80th minute. We all knew the talent was there but the questions were generally regarding how motivated Zaha was to do well in Charlotte. I think he answered all those questions yesterday.

"He's hungry to perform, he's hungry to win, and he's willing to push the guys around him to do so. Being a DP requires talent, but there is also a certain mentality you need to have. Early signs are that Zaha has that combination of DP talent AND DP mentality that the club has never had.”

While Sports Illustrated explained: "Wilfried Zaha couldn’t have started his MLS tenure any better… his debut dazzled the Charlotte FC faithful.”

AFP also praised the 32-year-old's performance, they wrote: "Zaha, who made two appearances for England before switching his national allegiance to the Ivory Coast, made an instant impact for the North Carolina club with his skill and directness."

Zaha and Charlotte return to action on Sunday 9 March when they will travel to the Chase Stadium to face Lionel Messi's Inter Miami.