Crystal Palace’s two best prospects are off on loan in the Championship this season.
Both David Ozoh and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi now find themselves out on loan and already beginning to impress at Derby County and Sheffield United respectively.
Rak-Sakyi has been praised by Chris Wilder for his talent, with the experienced manager claiming that he feels lucky to have the 21-year-old Crystal Palace talent.
Now, Ozoh’s form has also been catching the eye as he thrives for Derby very early into his first loan spell away from Selhurst Park.
- READ MORE: Crystal Palace confirmed signings, transfer ins and outs, loans and releases for 2024 summer window
David Ozoh praised by Shaun Barker
Having made four appearances for the Rams to date in the EFL, Ozoh has already got his first goal and established himself to be a regular in the team for Derby.
Ozoh has been named man of the match on one occasion and the move is already looking likely to be a success, proving Crystal Palace right to send him to Derby.
Now, former Rams player Shaun Barker has had his say on how the 19-year-old has been performing.
Speaking with Rams TV after this past weekend’s game against Bristol City, Barker had plenty of praise for Ozoh.
“As soon as they got the structure I thought he grew into the game.
“If you gave him another three or four minutes for choosing the player of the match he might have got it.
“He was that good in the last 5-10 minutes, he seemed to be more commanding, making more tackles didn’t lose the ball, drove forward got his goal.
“So another player that seemed to grow in confidence and his performance went up another level in the last ten 15 minutes.
“So, delighted for him,19 years old, only a few starts and what a player he is going to be for Derby this year.”
Clearly, Ozoh has impressed already which bodes well for the Eagles as we are sure Oliver Glasner watches keenly.
Crystal Palace will be delighted with No.52’s development
Through four Championship games thus far, Ozoh has achieved an average match rating of 7.36 according to FotMob.
This includes playing really well against playoff hopefuls Middlesbrough and Watford and also his man of the match worthy display against Bristol City.
David Ozoh vs Bristol City
- 24/25 passes completed (96%)
- 1 chance created
- 2/2 successful dribbles (100%)
- 3/6 tackles won (50%)
- 3 interceptions
- 11 defensive actions
- 5 recoveries
- 11/15 duels won (73%)
For Ozoh to impress across the entire pitch with an all-action display showcases just how well-rounded he is and why he has a future at Selhurst Park.
Ozoh is an all-action midfielder who could – if everything goes to plan – partner Adam Wharton for years in the midfield for the Eagles.
