‘Dangerous’ – Roy Hodgson assesses Rak-Sakyi’s substitute appearance in Crystal Palace’s draw with Nottingham Forest
Roy Hodgson believed that Jesurun Rak-Sakyi’s substitute appearance in Crystal Palace’s 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest on Saturday was the best learning curve the former Charlton loanee could have.
The 21-year-old was brought on in the 26th minute at Selhurst Park after Jeffrey Schlupp was forced to come off.
Rak-Sakyi registered two shots and gave Forest defender Harry Toffolo numerous problems.
The Southwark-born winger scored 15 goals and picked up eight assists at The Valley last season.
Rak-Sakyi stayed with the Eagles in the summer despite several Championship sides keen on taking the attacker on loan.
“It was a tough game to go into given the situation that he didn’t have a lot of players around him who could have shouldered more of the burden.
“I was pleased with him. He was dangerous, but most importantly, he did his work.
Picture : Keith Gillard
“I know he has this ability, a bit like Michale Olise – they have magical feet and are capable of manipulating the ball.
“I know that’s in his locker, but today we needed more than that.
“We needed a defensive awareness and a desire to do that job, otherwise we would have found ourselves being punished by the spaces he wasn’t able to cover.
“He’s a very skilful player. He’s young, he’s tall and he’s slim – he’s playing against people much older and with more experience.
“He is playing with tension, which you don’t get playing in the academy.
“Today will be a great learning curve for him. He’s had to go in at a difficult time and come off at the end of the game, having done all that has been required of him with a point in the bag.
“That is the best thing we can give him in terms of a learning curve.”
PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD
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