Crystal Palace’s Rising Star Jesurun Rak-Sakyi: The Perfect Replacement for Jordan Ayew
2 min read
Crystal Palace’s recent managerial change, with Oliver Glasner taking over from Roy Hodgson, signals a potential shift in the club’s playing style and personnel. While experienced players like Jordan Ayew have been instrumental for the Eagles, the emergence of academy product Jesurun Rak-Sakyi presents an exciting prospect for the future.
Ayew’s Contributions and Legacy Jordan Ayew has been a stalwart for Crystal Palace since joining the club, initially on loan from Swansea City in 2018. His permanent move to Palace for a mere £2.5 million has proven to be a bargain, with Ayew amassing 201 appearances, 23 goals, and 21 assists during his tenure. However, at 32, Ayew’s role in the team may evolve under Glasner’s leadership, necessitating a dynamic replacement.
Enter Jesurun Rak-Sakyi Rak-Sakyi, a 21-year-old winger, has been making waves in Crystal Palace’s youth setup since his arrival from Chelsea in 2019. With an impressive record of 29 goals and 16 assists in 56 youth appearances, Rak-Sakyi demonstrated his potential. A loan spell at Charlton Athletic further showcased his abilities, with 15 goals and 8 assists in 43 league outings.
Described as “remarkable” by former manager Roy Hodgson, Rak-Sakyi’s versatility and attacking prowess make him an ideal candidate to fill Ayew’s shoes. Standing at 5 foot 10, Rak-Sakyi primarily operates on the right wing but has shown adaptability by featuring on the left flank as well.
Seamless Transition to First Team As Rak-Sakyi continues to recover from a hamstring injury, his path to the first team may be delayed, but his trajectory suggests he could become a key player for Crystal Palace in the near future. With Glasner aiming to instill a progressive and attacking style of play, Rak-Sakyi’s skill set aligns perfectly with the club’s aspirations.
Looking Ahead Crystal Palace’s transition under Glasner presents an opportunity for young talents like Rak-Sakyi to flourish. While Ayew’s contributions have been invaluable, Rak-Sakyi’s emergence offers a glimpse into the club’s exciting future. If he can replicate his youth success at the senior level, Rak-Sakyi may not only replace Ayew but also establish himself as the heir to Wilfried Zaha’s throne, further solidifying his place in Crystal Palace’s history.
