Former MLS star criticizes Wilfried Zaha's attitude at Charlotte FC

Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC)/X

After five consecutive defeats in Major League Soccer, the pressure is rising on Charlotte FC and high-priced signing Wilfried Zaha was identified as a reason for Charlotte's struggles by MLS analyst Sacha Kjlestan.

Charlotte were thrashed 4-1 at home by Jonathan Bamba and the Chicago Fire while Zaha put in one of his worst performances since joining on loan from Galatasaray. On Apple TV's coverage of the weekend from MLS, former United States national team midfielder Kjlestan was asked to opine on what is causing Charlotte's poor form.

"I think you start with Wilfried Zaha. I think his attitude has just not been good enough and his performances have not been good enough."

“From the capabilities of a player who we all said coming into the season should be MLS Newcomer of the Year, he should be torturing back lines. He should have a better attitude when he is on the field."

After a modest first couple seasons since joining MLS, Charlotte have emerged in the Eastern Conference as a tough opponent with back-to-back appearances in the playoffs.

Bringing in high-priced players like Zaha ahead of the ongoing campaign and Israel national team attacker Liel Abada last season was expected to launch Charlotte into a force that could compete for top honors. However, with those two signings arriving for a combined fee of over €10 million, the results have been inconsistent at best so far and quite poor at worst as seen during the current poor stretch.

Zaha has four goals and zero assists through twelve matches so far this season. Charlotte are in the middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference, sitting eighth place out of fifteen teams through fourteen matches. They next turn their attention to the US Open Cup with a clash at fellow MLS side DC United on Wednesday.