Jesurun Rak-Sakyi enjoyed his breakthrough moment at Crystal Palace in the 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Many were disappointed to see the 21-year-old left on the bench amid a severe injury crisis, specifically behind Jeffrey Schlupp, who has been largely ineffective this season.
However – in the 26th minute – Jesurun Rak-Sakyi got his chance when replacing the injured Jeffrey Schlupp, and it could be a moment remembered by Crystal Palace fans for many years…
What’s the story?
Well, every Crystal Palace fan will remember the moment when a relatively unknown Aaron Wan-Bissaka was thrown in against Tottenham on Sunday 25th February 2018.
With Joel Ward and Martin Kelly out injured, the Crystal Palace academy graduate took his chance at right-back with both hands, keeping his place in the starting XI until he eventually secured a £50m move to Manchester United.
In similar circumstances amid a worrying injury crisis, Rak-Sakyi finally got the chance to test himself against mid-table Premier League opposition for a large chunk of the match, and it is safe to say he impressed.
How Jesurun Rak-Sakyi performed in Crystal Palace 0-0 Nottingham Forest
The Crystal Palace No.49 won the Man of the Match award as he took the game to Nottingham Forest, showing real bravery in addition to strong defensive awareness in his 64 minutes on the pitch.
WhoScored shows that Rak-Sakyi completed three successful dribbles, more than any other player on the pitch, while also winning two freekicks.
The England Under-20 international also made two successful tackles and two interceptions, on a day where it felt as if Roy Hodgson finally became aware of how helpful the London-born prospect can be this season.
Hopefully, Rak-Sakyi can continue where he left off against Nottingham Forest after the international break ends, as a trip to Newcastle United awaits.
