Charlton fans had much to cheer in their last home game of the season, with a 3-2 win over Port Vale in a score that slightly flattered the away side. Charlton had much of the play, especially in the first half. Trying to play out from the back and really dictate the tempo of the match, whilst Port Vale caused issue from set pieces resulting in their first goal, and then a stoppage time penalty made the game look more even than it potentially was.
Ratings:
- A1 – Very good, could play higher
- A2 – Strong potential to play higher
- B1 – Good, strong player at level
- B2 – Potential to be a strong player at level
- C – Average for the level, rewatch
- D – Below average in this match
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi
Player Profile:
- Nationality: English
- Age: 20
- Date of birth: 05/10/2002
- Club: Charlton (loan)
- Career: Chelsea (Y), Crystal Palace(Y), Charlton (Loan)
- Position: Right winger
- Preferred foot: Left
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi played from the right wing for Charlton and showed he’s a winger with real potential. A leggy frame, accompanied with quick feet, agility, close control, and bursts of acceleration caused problems for defenders especially when in 1v1 situations.
Rak-Sakyi had a real variety in the positions he would take up, often starting wide so he could cut inside, but also moving into the right half space, rotating with midfielder Albie Morgan as well as moving into the box as a secondary option.
There was a real swagger to the wide man’s play, effortlessly cutting inside, using his close control to create separation with his defender. He then had the technical ability to play accurate long diagonal passes into fellow winger Tyreece Campbell as well as linking play in the middle. There was a real composure to how he carried the ball, although sometimes this was a little too casual and he would try a take on one too many.
I was really glad to see he not just a strong first touch, but how he protected the ball well too, even with his back to play when he couldn’t progress, he didn’t give the ball away easily showing a real maturity for someone of his age.
Overall there was very little weakness to his game, he showed his composure and finishing ability for Charlton’s second goal after cutting inside to finish low into the left corner, and showed that calmness in the box for an easy assist in the third and final goal for the home side after good work by Campbell and Sessegnon initially.
Defensively he was a little naïve, sometimes he’d push forward to press rather than holding his position, allowing the opposition to easily move the ball into the space he’d left, and at times did look a little slow when moving to track back.
Rating – A1
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi looked a real talent, he had everything you’d expect from a wide player in the modern game and made everything look easy. He showed composure and decision making far beyond what you’d expect for someone so young. With 15 goals and 8 assists for Charlton going into the last game of the season, he’s definitely the type of winger that can get you off your seat, I expect him to definitely play at a higher level and look forward to watching him again.
Tyreece Campbell
Player Profile:
- Nationality: English
- Age: 19
- Date of birth: 14/09/2003
- Club: Charlton Athletic
- Career: Charlton Athletic (Y)
- Position: Left winger
- Preferred foot: Left
Campbell showed some threat from the left wing in Charlton’s 433 formation largely holding the width near the touchline, but showed his forward instincts as he often tried to attack the space behind the defense moving from outside to in, using his burst of acceleration and timing of runs to leave defenders behind and become a dangerous outlet especially for through balls. He also showed glimpses of what he can offer with a tidy finish for the first goal, although fortunate to receive the ball, he did try to get into positions if the ball fell his way, and reaped the rewards on this occasion.
Campbell liked to isolate himself in 1v1’s with the opposition fullback, and his speed, low centre of gravity and agility gave him the potential to cause problems. Left footed he would try and beat the full back on the outside, but this became a little predictable and could have potentially caused more problems by mixing his moves up.
Once Campbell had beaten the man his final ball wasn’t quite there, particularly with aerial crosses missing their target or forcing team mates to check their run to keep possession. Although he showed a lot more promise with cut back crosses, showing this ability to get his head up and pick a pass in the build up for Charlton’s third goal. Throughout the 19-year-old had the vision to spot passes but didn’t quite have the execution to back that up, similarly he showed a few nice touches, but also a couple of loose touches in a fairy inconsistent afternoon.
Campbell is also a smaller frame, meaning he struggled to challenge effectively in the air and had issues protecting the ball with the defender up against him. When attempting to take on defenders he could also be shrugged off course or dispossessed altogether at times.
Rating – B1
I liked Tyreece Campbell’s profile, that of an inside forward who showed his ability to attack space with and without the ball, he showed he had composure and finishing ability for his goal, as well showing strong vision for the cross leading to the third goal. Adding a bit more variation when in 1v1’s, developing how he shields the ball as well as fine tuning his passing could make him a very dangerous prospect from the left side.
Steven Sessegnon
Player Profile:
- Nationality: English
- Age: 23
- Date of birth: 18/05/2000
- Club: Charlton (loan)
- Career: Fulham (Y), Bristol City (Loan), Plymouth (Loan), Charlton (Loan)
- Position: Right Back
- Preferred foot: Right
Steven Sessegnon, twin brother of Tottenham’s Ryan Sessegnon filled in at left back for the Addicks. Although hampered by being on his weaker side, the diminutive fullback still performed.
Sessegnon’s scanned well and had a real ability to move into positions to create a passing lane and aid the home sides build up. Comfortable staying wide or confidently moving inside at times too, causing problems for the opposition wide players and midfielder for who should move to mark or press him.
Defensively one of his main strengths was using his awareness to screen passes into attacking players, stopping the momentum of the away side and often forcing them backwards. Positionally Sessegnon was strong, largely being in the right position at the right time. Although a few times he did jump in to make a tackle or press, leaving space behind when he could have held his position.
Going forward Sessegnon often underlapped largely so he could play on his stronger right foot, and this again caused issues for opposition markers. He had good acceleration, which assisted him moving forward and getting back into position, and although only a smaller frame he did physically push the opposition off the ball a few times.
Unfortunately this physical skill wasn’t there during Aerial duels, and he was targeted a few times at the back post. where against taller players he found it really difficult to challenge. His passing was fairly mixed, using his short back lift to nearly act as a disguise he played some slick passes through the opposition midfield. Although does need to improve on his concentration when completing short passes, whilst working on his long distribution.
Rating – B1
Steven Sessegnon had a solid game for Charlton playing out of position at left back, looked strong defensively and was aware of his responsibilities in the build up, whilst also moving forward to aid the attack. He showed he can play some neat shorter passes but was a little more erratic when playing long and his concentration did effect a few very basic passes. Fine tuning his distribution and developing how he deals with aerial duels, could make him a very complete full back option for a lot of sides.