WHEN Ian Holloway likened Jonny Williams to Man City star David Silva after arriving at Selhurst Park, a few eyebrows may have been raised within the football world.
But not among Eagles fans - they've always know the man they've dubbed 'Joniesta', after Barcelona and Spain star Andres Iniesta, is a little bit special.
The 19-year-old arrived on the international football scene in style last night, coming on as a half-time substitute in place of the injured Gareth Bale, to inspire Wales to a 2-1 win over Scotland at Hampden Park.
Williams helped to set up Hal Robson Kanu's winning goal, with a trademark, driving run into the heart of the Scotland penalty area. Silva or Inesta-esque, some may say.
When he took over at Palace last autumn, boss Holloway said of his starlet: "I've seen him for 30-40 minutes - fantastic, I love it. To me, he's a little maverick and bit like a David Silva type, he's always thinking and he's always moving.
"His balance is wonderful and I've heard a lot about him."
Indeed, Silva's club Manchester City have been linked with a move for Williams, following Wilfried Zaha's transfer to the red half of the City.
But Eagles fans fearing the loss of a second star player should rest easy; Williams is a homeboy at heart and committed to the Eagles cause.
In a recent interview with our reporter Mark Ritson, Williams spoke of his love for the club and its fans, who helped him recover from the broken leg in 2011, that briefly derailed his promising career.
He told us: "The fans are unbelievable and I can't speak highly enough of them
"The reception I got when I came back from my injury was ridiculous – it was a really special moment that I'll never forget.
"I can't thank them enough for all the support they've given me."
Williams hails from Tunbridge Wells but plays for Wales because his dad was born there. He said the decision to choose Wales over England "wasn't really tough", having represented the Welsh schoolboy and age group sides.
Despite being a childhood Chelsea fan (Gianfranco Zola was his hero) Williams was at the play-off final in Cardiff when Palace were last promoted back in 2004.
And he admits it would be something very special, to play his part in bringing top-flight football back to SE25.
He said: "To think it could happen this year, next year or the year after, I just don't know, but we're hoping it's this year.
"It would be a really special moment for everyone at the club."
It would also bring the poise, balance and skill of Jonny Williams to the sort of stage he deserves.
Palace fans - just how good is Jonny Williams? Join the debate below...
