‘Phenomenal’ – Former Charlton boss says Crystal Palace youngster is best player he has managed
Dean Holden says that Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi is the best player he has worked with during his managerial career.
The Eagles winger was on loan at Charlton Athletic last season and was voted their Player of the Year by supporters and also his fellow pros.
Rak-Sakyi scored 15 goals and got 10 assists.
Holden was Addicks boss for the second half of last season but was the first EFL sacking of the new campaign before the end of August.
Asked about the biggest talent he had managed, the former Bristol City boss told I Had Trials Once: “It was a lad we had on loan last season, Jes Rak-Sakyi. He was on loan from Crystal Palace.
“He’s getting some game time at the moment – phenomenal player. Right winger but left-footed – balance like a skier when they try and knock him off the ball. He’s not one to do 10 stepovers for the sake of it. He will make the right decision. He’s only young.
“He used to drive in a clapped out Punto. Earning good money but not interested. His dad and brother own a barbers in Elephant & Castle. Just a proper young player who wants to give everything. It’s one of the best academies in the country – Charlton. There was some top talent there.
“We gave loads a debut but he is the one who was at the top.
“Bristol City, before that, would have been Alex Scott, who has just signed for Bournemouth – and (Antoine) Semenyo. He is a great story – he never played for an academy until he was 16. He wanted to further his education and gets his A-levels. Rapid and you wouldn’t know what foot he was.”
PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD