This article is part of Football FanCast’s In The Pipeline series, which takes a look at some of the most promising young talent either linked with clubs or emerging from their academies…
There is something about the way Rob Street plays football that throws you back to years gone by.
Black boots, low socks, strong in the air and loves a simple Alan Shearer-esque, hand-in-the-air celebration as we saw against Reading on Thursday evening.
In that particular 4-2 win against the Royals – which saw Palace’s U18 side progress into the next round of the FA Youth Cup – the old-fashioned striker played a part in both of the Eagles’ first two goals.
Street easily flicked the ball on for Brandon Aveiro, where the Portuguese youngster then played a one-two with TQ Addy before firing high into the back of the net.
It was Aveiro who then lofted a freekick to the back post for Palace’s second goal, where again, Street rose highest to head the ball across goal for Malachi Boateng to prod home.
Street – who the club’s former U23 boss Richard Shaw compared to a young Ian Wright – also managed to get on the scoresheet himself with a well-taken effort hit hard into the bottom left corner, after Brandon Pierrick, who recently signed his first professional contract, assisted him.
If you thought Street was finished, think again. The broad-shouldered teenager was then involved in yet another goal, winning the freekick which Aveiro smashed into the top left corner to ensure Palace progressed further in the FA Youth Cup.
As Palace legend Mark Bright revealed while on commentary duty, Street’s goal was his 12th of the campaign, which is quite impressive at this stage of the campaign.
At times, it does look like Street was born into the wrong era, where his aesthetic feels better-suited to the 90s rather than modern-day football – however, his exquisite performances so far this season are proving that his footballing ability is perfectly suited to today’s game.
Having had a hand in all four of Palace’s goals against Reading, the old-school No.9 is certainly one to keep an eye on.
In other news, these Crystal Palace fans have reacted to some worrying news regarding a first-team player…
