Alan Pardew believes Wilfried Zaha's unsuccessful spell at Manchester United has set him back as the Crystal Palace boss looks to revive the once-promising winger's career.
Much was expected of Zaha when, at age 20, he made an €11.75 million move from Palace to Old Trafford in January of 2013. The former England international failed to find space in the team, however, and would make just four appearances during his time with the club.
Out of favour in Manchester, Zaha spent time on loan in Cardiff and Palace before the latter brought him back for €3.83 million in February of 2015.
"Sometimes I think these big clubs take players too early and they're literally taking talent without really consideration to how it's going to work in the team," Pardew said on Friday.
"Manchester City you could look at a number of players -- Scott Sinclair, Jack Rodwell -- it's very difficult to get it back.
"You've taken a very important year out of someone's career.
"Therefore, my job is to get him to understand the level of the Premier League and how to perform consistently.
"There's no doubt he's good enough for the Premier League. But consistently week in week out, affecting the game, scoring goals, assists, this is where he will be measured."
Now 22, Zaha impressed in Palace's 4-1 defeat of Charlton in their Capital One Cup tie on Wednesday, and Pardew hailed his new charge's progress since returning to Selhurst Park.
"He's one of those players that doesn't react badly to a situation like getting taken off at half-time.
"I like working with Wilf. He is someone I can help because he is someone who wants to be a great player.
"Wilf has done a lot of things well since I arrived at this club. His defensive attitude has been on the money. His ability on the ball is on the money.
"He's a very good player, one of the best to work with on the ball.
"It's getting him on the ball which is the next phase for him and the end product."