Crystal Palace defender Cheikhou Kouyate says the players appreciate the management of Patrick Vieira.

Kouyaté has explained why Vieira is one of the best coaches he has seen or worked under in 15 years of professional football.

“In the beginning of the season, I remember the first team meeting," Kouyaté said before Palace's trip to Newcastle United this evening [Wednesday 20th]. “[He was] talking with the players, telling us what he wanted to do and where he wanted to take this football club.

“I don't know who said that [Palace could get relegated], but they are so wrong. Because you need to know that he is a very clever guy, a very good person.

“I'm in football for 15 years, and he is one of the best I have seen."

Vieira's man management skills have been widely reported on this season, but Kouyaté says his tactical nous is still under-appreciated.

“You see how we play tactically – he knows everything," the midfielder explained. “Every time we play against one team, he knows what they are going to do. He knows what way we are going to play [to best handle the opposition].

“I say: 'How does he do that?' Every time we are on the field, it is more easy for us. We play together, as a team.

“He tells us what we are going to do, and this is easier for all the players who are going to play the game. Any XI, they can play because it is easy for us.

“I don't know how he does it… but in some years [he and Crystal Palace] are going to be on a different level."