Crystal Palace EXCLUSIVE: Jonny Williams hails 'incredible' Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Zaha

The Eagles sit rock-bottom of the Premier League, taking just four points from their opening 10 matches. 

Both Zaha and Loftus-Cheek have been the standout performers for Palace this term although both have spent time on the sidelines through injury.

The latter was an impressive summer signing for the south London outfit, joining on loan from Chelsea, and he immediately settled into the heart of Frank de Boer's midfield.

During a dark spell in SE25, that eventually saw the Dutchman lose his job, Loftus-Cheek was one of the bright sparks with Zaha injured.

And Williams, who is currently on a season-long loan with Sunderland, admits he always expected the Blues academy graduate to go onto big things having known him from a young age.

"It was my next door neighbour who was really good friends with Ruben so when I was about 10 I was obviously going to Palace and Ruben's gone round my next door neighbour's house that I used to hang around with all the time," Williams told Express Sport.

"So I've gone round and he's [introduced me to] Ruben, he's a massive lad and I'm thinking 'blimey this guy's eight years old!' but he was at Chelsea at the time. 

"But it was nice to meet a fellow [player in an academy] especially in Kent. That's when we first met. 

"He was a few years younger than me so we didn't play against each other much but I still remember meeting him and it's nice to see how he's come through at Chelsea."

Loftus-Cheek's bright start to the season at Palace saw him rewarded with his first call up to the England senior squad yesterday for the upcoming internationals against Germany and Brazil.

And Williams is not surprised by the plaudits the 21-year-old has received and has backed him to continue his rise through football up to the very top.

"I'm not surprised [that he's impressed at Palace] to be honest. He's been incredible," Williams added.

"From what I've seen at Palace if you're looking for a shining light at the moment obviously with the results he's been incredible I think, and if he can stay fit he'll do massive things for a Premier League club and international level.

"I can't speak highly enough of him as a player and as a person. I think he's got everything and he'll go on to big things. 

"I think he's a massive signing and Palace have done very well to get him."

Loftus-Cheek's team-mate, Zaha, has endured a longer spell on the treatment table this term but made his return last month by scoring the winner against Chelsea in their 2-1 victory at Selhurst Park and then followed that up with a 96th minute strike to secure Palace a point against West Ham last time out.

But Williams is no stranger to Zaha's ability and knows the importance he can bring to Palace's quest for survival.