Zola starts to show his potential

Nov 28 2009 by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Echo

MANAGERS have been talking about Calvin Zola’s potential for years. Brian Little and Ronnie Moore at Tranmere were among several who went public with their conviction that the tall man from the Democratic Republic of Congo had the qualities to make him a hotshot striker.

But for five years Zola found consistent performances and goals hard to come by at Prenton Park and then with Crewe Alexandra – until this season.

After long spells of of frustration with injuries and patchy form, Zola suddenly found himself on the right tracks with the Railwaymen.

Zola’s 13 goals this season make him the success of Crewe’s campaign in League Two. This week the 24-year-old picked up the PFA Fans’ player of the month award for October, during which he found the net five times.

Zola said: “It is extra special for me as it is voted for by supporters across the division. I didn’t know that all of them knew who I was!

“The season has gone well for me on a personal level. I have already got 13 goals, which is fantastic as it is by far my best tally for the season already. We are only about half way through this season so I hope it continues like this for me.”

Brian Little brought Zola to Prenton Park from Newcastle in 2004. He made 109 appearances and scored 18 goals over the next four years, then made a £200,000 move to Crewe in the summer of 2008.