Crystal Palace midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate described team-mate Wilfried Zaha as an “amazing player” after his side’s 1-0 win at Huddersfield.
Zaha proved the difference in Palace’s first Premier League win since the opening day, marking his return to the side after a groin injury with a brilliant solo effort.
The Eagles winger tricked his way into the penalty area between two defenders and produced a curling finish into the top corner seven minutes before half-time.
“It was an unbelievable goal, yes,” said Kouyate, who made his first league start for the club following his summer move from London rivals West Ham.
“It was a solo goal. We know Wilf is an amazing player, a very, very good player, but today – what a goal for him. He’s very important for us.”
Roy Hodgson’s side have lost their last 10 games in which Zaha has not featured, including the 2-0 home defeat to Southampton before the international break.
Palace’s second win of the campaign – they won their opening game at Fulham – has lifted them up to 11th place in the table.
“It was a very important win because we needed the points,” Kouyate said. “We lost our last game, but came here for the points and played as a team.
“It’s very good for our confidence. Two away wins and now we need a home win.”
Kouyate, a late substitute for Senegal in Sunday’s 2-2 African Nations Cup qualifier in Madagascar, played the full 90 minutes in the Premier League for the first time under Hodgson.
“I was ready for the start,” Kouyate added. “Today was very good for me because the team won. We will continue to work hard and now we have another hard game coming up next week against Newcastle.”
