Pierre Sage took charge of his second friendly as Crystal Palace boss as the Eagles travelled within south London to face Bromley.
The League One side troubled the UEFA Conference League winners and recorded a 3-0 win, although the result was ultimately not too important on an afternoon where raising the squad’s fitness levels and understanding the Frenchman’s tactical ideas took priority.
While Sage will probably be a bit disappointed by what he saw against Bromley, there were still some encouraging performances from a couple of Crystal Palace stars at Hayes Lane.
Do any of these players have a future under Pierre Sage?
Walter Benitez (5/10)
Reacted incredibly well to prevent Tayo Adaramola from scoring a disastrous own goal. Had very little to do otherwise. A few erratic passes, including one fired straight at Canvot’s head.
Dean Benamar (5/10)
Provided an option down the flank with plenty of overlapping runs and kept the ball well under pressure at times. Poor end product from others meant he was rarely found in these promising areas, however.
Tayo Adaramola (4/10)
The Republic of Ireland international has been playing as a left-sided centre-back in Sage’s two games so far, an unfamiliar position for the left-back, and it shows.
Adaramola was shaky in the 5-1 win over Swindon Town, and once again looked uncomfortable against Bromley. Having been told to show “more quality” in training too, the Irishman has work to do to avoid a seventh loan away from Crystal Palace, if not a permanent exit.
Charlie Walker-Smith (6/10)
A good test for the 18-year-old up against an English Football League veteran in Michael Cheek. Kept the 34-year-old Bromley striker at bay and made smart decisions in possession. An exciting talent.
Jaydee Canvot (5/10)
Didn’t have much to do as Bromley rarely threatened. Nevertheless, always showed for the ball and tried his best to progress it forward. A big season beckons following the departure of Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea.
Rio Cardines (5/10)
Went close with a driven effort across goal in the early stages which was tipped wide by Shamal George. Like Benamar, did well to hold the width in this 3-4-3 formation. Could have made better decisions with his final ball.
Will Hughes (5/10)
A typical Hughes display. Always available for the ball, and looked for those quick, early passes to launch attacks. Didn’t always come off but Sage will appreciate the intent.
Justin Devenny (6/10)
Plenty of energy from the Northern Ireland international alongside Hughes. Was given licence to push higher at times, doing well to connect the play between midfield and attack.
With Southampton keen on his services, it may be one of his final games.
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi (4/10)
Had a glorious chance to score when bearing down on goal, but wanted to use his stronger left foot and lost the chance. Seemed overly keen to impress – understandably – in what could be his final opportunity to make it at Crystal Palace this summer.
Matheus Franca (7/10)
Another bright, if not slightly wasteful, showing from Franca after his hat-trick against Swindon. Should have scored at least twice in his 45 minutes, hitting an effort straight at George and also failing to finish after smartly intercepting a loose back-pass.
Seems to enjoy this new central role far better than when playing out wide in previous games under Roy Hodgson and Oliver Glasner.
Teed Esse up for a great chance which was smashed straight at George. Still work to do, but some promise that he can be an option for Sage this season.
Romain Esse (3/10)
Has the ability to do much better. Should have scored but smashed a close-range shot straight at George.
Struggled to get involved in the game, despite the occasional glimpse of his obvious talent. Must demand the ball more and not shy away.
Substitutions
Joe Whitworth (6/10)
As Mark Bright kept pointing out while commentating on the game, Whitworth was incredibly vocal, often telling his teammates whether they have time on the ball or not.
Not at fault for Bromley’s goal after Mofe Jemide strangely let the ball run through, and almost got a hand to their penalty after diving the right way. Could do nothing about the third.
Tyrick Mitchell (6/10)
A devilish delivery just minutes after coming on almost gave Brennan Johnson a tap-in. Did his job defensively as well. Seems likely to have a lot of space this season to attack, with the left-sided No.10 operating narrowly infield so far.
Borna Sosa (4/10)
Like Adaramola, Sosa was used as one of the three centre-backs, and struggled in this unfamiliar role. Ran into trouble and lost the ball shortly after coming on which almost saw Bromley score.
Mofe Jemide (3/10)
As aforesaid, made an odd decision to duck out of the header which led to Bromley’s goal.
Jemide is a highly-rated talent at Selhurst Park, but can do a lot better than he showed at Hayes Lane.
George King (5/10)
A few sloppy passes, but showed good intent to play these incisive, forward balls rather than take the easy way out with a simple sideways pass. Didn’t have much to do defensively.
Danny Imray (6/10)
A former Bromley player himself, Imray looked at home at Hayes Lane.
Went close with a header and showed his typical energy down the right flank to support attacks, with the type of dynamism that endeared him to West Brom fans while on loan at the Hawthorns last term.
David Ozoh (7/10)
A promising display which offered hope that Ozoh can be part of Sage’s midfield department this season. Almost scored but for a fine save from George.
Was involved in both the deeper build-up and in the final third. Plenty of energy from the Valencia-born midfielder.
Cheick Doucoure (4/10)
Still looks so rusty. A shadow of his former self at the moment as his recovery continues, with several misplaced passes – including one which led Bromley to win a penalty.
Doucoure is showing an understandable reluctance to make the crunching tackles and ventures forward which helped him win the Player of the Season award at Crystal Palace in 2022/23, after missing the entirety of last season with a knee injury.
Good to see the Malian bank another 45 minutes of action under his belt nonetheless. With time, the Crystal Palace No.28 will hopefully begin to trust his body again.
Joel Drakes-Thomas (9/10)
So lively and made the second half an enjoyable watch despite the three goals conceded.
Missed a fantastic opportunity to score after a fine touch and cross from Nketiah, somehow dragging the ball wide.
Nevertheless, the 17-year-old looks like he belongs, and seems much closer than any other academy graduate to becoming a genuine part of Sage’s squad for this season.
Eddie Nketiah (8/10)
Really bright display. Seems eager to prove himself worthy of leading the line in the absence of Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Held the ball up admirably and deserved an assist, but for Drakes-Thomas scuffing his effort wide. On this evidence, Sage will have no qualms about using him in the season opener against Everton.
Brennan Johnson (5/10)
Still room for improvement after a woeful display against Swindon.
Makes a good impact when simplifying his game, using his pace to run in behind and stretch the pitch, but looks hopeless when tucking inside as an inverted forward.
Almost got on the end of a cross from Mitchell for a tap-in but for a touch from George in goal.
With several talents leaving in recent years, a pathway to the senior side must open up under Pierre Sage… 😬
