Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis has described Marouane Chamakh as a "real quality" player and believes that the striker "lost his way" at his former club Arsenal.
The Morocco international called time on an indifferent three-year spell in North London in the summer by joining the Eagles - a move which has shown signs of promise recently after the 29-year-old followed his wining goal against West Ham United during the week by hitting the second in the 2-0 victory over Cardiff City this afternoon.
"Chamakh has got real quality. Arsenal never buy a player unless he's got quality. Wenger knows who's got quality, and Chamakh has it. It's just a matter of getting it out of him," Pulis told reporters.
"I don't think he's ever been a problem, he's just lost his way a little bit. When you're at top, top clubs you don't get a lot of time. You have to be doing it because the top clubs are under so much pressure.
"In the games I've seen he's really looked up for it and he's played well. He recognises he's an important member of this group, and hopefully he keeps playing the way he's playing."
Palace move up to 18th with the win over the Bluebirds - Pulis's second since taking charge - and the former Stoke City boss acknowledged the importance of securing six points in their fight to retain their Premier League status.
The Londoners travel to Stamford Bridge for a clash with Chelsea next Saturday.
Shane Callaghan
