Joel Drakes-Thomas, Crystal Palace teenager with personality, eyes pathway after history-making debut | OneFootball

Joel Drakes-Thomas seized a rare opening last season, impressing in Europe at 16 then becoming Crystal Palace’s youngest Premier League player at Leeds. His rise came amid a punishing schedule that forced rotation.

Oliver Glasner picked a completely changed side for December’s Conference League 2-2 draw with KuPS, two days before Leeds and with a Carabao Cup tie at Arsenal ahead. The Athletic reported in December that Drakes-Thomas agreed professional terms upon turning 17, confirmed in June.

He came off the bench in the 4-1 defeat at Leeds to set that club record. A brief cameo followed against Newcastle United, then a start in the 2-1 FA Cup loss at Macclesfield.

Glasner admired his confidence and willingness to take responsibility. He also said Palace would have problems if they had to rely on a 16-year-old, a reflection on age rather than ability.

January business stalled his pathway, with Brennan Johnson arriving for a then club-record £35 million and Evann Guessand joining on loan from Aston Villa. He may be a breakthrough option this year, though not as a regular, and academy chances remain scarce.

Palace hope retaining Drakes-Thomas, alongside giving him minutes, underlines a pathway after losing academy prospects Jesse Derry and Reggie Watson to Chelsea.

New manager Pierre Sage wants No 10s to move the ball wide quickly, which should suit him. Europa League involvement guarantees at least eight league-phase games, so further chances may follow while he continues to play regularly for the under-21s.

Source: NY Times

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