Micah Richards believes it’s “imperative” for Crystal Palace that they keep Wilfried Zaha and Ebere Eze at Selhurst Park.
Both players were outstanding in the Eagles’ thrilling 3-2 win at home to Aston Villa on Sunday.
There continues to be much speculation over the future of Zaha, while Eze has also recently been linked with a possible move after an impressive first season in the top flight following his arrival from QPR last summer.
Manager Roy Hodgson has insisted that the club see Eze as a long-term investment and have no intention of letting him go.
Speaking on the BBC’s Match of the Day 2 programme, pundit Richards said: “It’s imperative that they keep Eze and Zaha. Those two linking up together was just so good to watch.
“We know what Zaha can do – he’s been doing it season after season. They always look for each other. They’ve got absolutely everything.”
Richards admitted that Palace’s exciting performance took him by surprise.
“They were excellent. They were quality to watch,” said the former Manchester City and England defender.
“When we thought of this game we thought Palace of the past have been a little bit boring and a little bit defensive.”