Jesurun Rak-Sakyi signed his first professional contract with Crystal Palace on 12 April 2021. He was the fifth under-18s player to sign a professional contract, alongside David Omilabu, Tayo Adaramola, Fionn Mooney and Jadan Raymond.
The 18-year-old plays on the left wing and is known for his skill and pace, netting his first senior goal against Charlton Athletic in a pre-season friendly last week.
Patrick Vieira was impressed by the Ghana prospect Rak-Sakyi who is largely a member of the academy side but has the talent to potentially feature in a Premier League game.
VAVEL Crystal Palace takes a look at Rak-Sakyi and the part he could play in Vieira's future plans.
-
Starting left-winger
This could be the case if Wilfried Zaha was to leave Palace, but for now, Rak-Sakyi could be the backup option.
With Andros Townsend signing for Everton last month, Rak-Sakyi could push for a place on the bench and potentially feature on the pitch. Players like Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise can play central, and Rak-Sakyi can provide a wide outlet for the Eagles.
The second round of the Carabao Cup is fast approaching too, and there is no reason why Rak-Sakyi should not start. The winger provides hunger and desire as well as having the confidence to take players on and shoot whenever there is a sight for goal.
-
Creative Attacking Midfielder
His skill and directness for goal reminds you of Eze whenever you see him play. Rak-Sakyi has the ability to receive the ball from midfield and turn his defender, running at goal and looking to play someone through on goal or take a shot on himself.
This is something that Vieira noticed as well, and cup action will give the young winger more experience and more opportunities to push into the first team.
After all, this is how Zaha started, and he will only need a few opportunities to impress a manager who loves playing the youth and embedding them into his team. Something that Roy Hodgson could only do with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrick Mitchell.
-
Impact off the bench
Whenever Palace need a goal late on in the game, Rak-Sakyi can provide pace and trickery that can hurt defences especially with a set of fresh legs.
Under the guidance of Paddy McCarthy, Rak-Sakyi will only get better and better, and if he can stay around the first-team setup, then the likes of Zaha can nurture his talent and turn him into a future star.
Only time will tell for the 18-year-old, but fans are definitely excited about the young prospect given his impressive showing in pre-season for the Eagles.