Crystal Palace finally released footage of Pierre Sage’s first training session on Monday, and there were some intriguing sights.
Many fans will have noticed the inclusion of some academy talents, who were given a chance to catch the eye with so many senior stars still away after partaking in the World Cup.
There were five youngsters involved at Copers Cope in total, including the youngest Englishman to play a UEFA Conference League match in Joel Drakes-Thomas, who just signed a professional contract, along with Mofe Jemide, Dean Benamar and George King.
The quartet are fairly well known amongst the Crystal Palace fanbase by now, but the fifth inclusion, Charlie Walker-Smith is lesser known. So, who is the 18-year-old? Let’s take a look.
Initial thoughts on Pierre Sage? 🤔
He can boast a 67.5% win ratio from 40 games at RC Lens 😍
Meet Charlie Walker-Smith: The Crystal Palace academy star who is ‘superb on the ball’
The teenager was selected to train with the senior side by Sage after an impressive 2025/26 campaign, in which he was described as a ‘great example of a modern centre-back’ by The Athletic.
Walker-Smith, who can also play at right-back, joined Crystal Palace at U13 level and was part of the U15 side that won the Premier League Super Floodlit Cup in May 2023.
Born in London, the defender opts to represent Wales, playing for the Dragons at U16 and U17 level as well as in the U19 side.
The Athletic even describe Walker-Smith as ‘visually similar to Declan Rice’ given his stocky frame and tendency to drive forward with the ball.
The Arsenal No.41 actually started out as a centre-back at West Ham before becoming a marauding £105m midfielder, so Walker-Smith may have a very bright future if he models himself on the England international.
Furthermore, the Londoner carries a goal threat as well, netting six goals and providing three assists across the U18 and U21 sides last season.
Walker-Smith also possesses a rocket of a long-throw, which is coming back into fashion in the Premier League and could be a weapon Sage looks to utilise.
With Maxence Lacroix possibly heading to Chelsea this summer, there could be some opportunities in the centre of defence next term, even more so considering UEFA Europa League football is on the schedule for Crystal Palace.
Therefore, if Walker-Smith can impress Sage throughout pre-season, the Wales U19 international may put himself firmly in contention for playing time next term.
- Full name: Charlie Walker-Smith
- Age: 18
- Date of birth: 19 September 2007
- Height: 1.88m (6ft 2in)
- Nationality: Welsh
- Place of birth: London
- Club: Crystal Palace
- Position: Centre-back
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