Qudus SalihuIn a weekend defined by high-stakes rivalries, Roy Keane dropped one of his most glowing assessments of the season, labeling Ismaïla Sarr one of the best players in the league following his match-winning performance in Crystal Palace’s 1-0 victory over Brighton. The M23 Derby at the Amex Stadium was a tense, gritty affair, but Sarr’s second-half brilliance proved to be the difference, ending Palace’s agonizing 12-match winless run. The Senegal international, who has been in clinical form, latched onto a defense-splitting pass from debutant Evann Guessand in the 61st minute, hammering a left-footed strike past Bart Verbruggen to secure the three points.
Speaking on Sky Sports after the final whistle, Keane—rarely one to hand out compliments easily—was visibly blown away by Sarr’s work rate and technical execution. “We talk about top-class wingers, but Sarr today was on another level,” Keane remarked. “It wasn’t just the goal; it was his discipline, his tracking back, and the way he terrified that Brighton backline every time he turned. For me, he’s been one of the standout players of the season. He’s got that monstrous mentality you need in big derbies. He was sheer brilliance today.”
The stats from the encounter backed up Keane’s rare praise, showing that Sarr’s impact was felt in every phase of the game. Along with his crucial goal, the winger completed all of his attempted tackles and won five ground duels, showcasing a defensive diligence that is often overlooked in flair players. Keane further emphasized that Sarr’s consistency is what separates him from the pack this year, noting that while fans often focus on “Big Six” stars, Sarr is carrying the weight of the Palace team on his shoulders. With the Eagles finally finding their feet in 2026, Sarr’s unmatched display has not only silenced the doubters but has earned the ultimate seal of approval from the Premier League’s toughest critic.
Rabiu Aminu
Qudus Salihu