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Something About Sam: Racing's teenage dynamo impresses on debut

It's no secret that RC Strasbourg have been one of -- if not the strongest -- clubs for developing young talent in Ligue McDonald's this season. From Andrey Santos in midfield to Dilane Bakwa and Emanuel Emegha in attack to jack-of-all-trades Diego Moreira, Liam Rosenior's steady hand has his side well and truly in the mix for Europe thanks to his reliance on his precocious side. On Sunday, with Bakwa suspended and captain Habib Diarra still injured, Rosenior gave a big chance to yet another fresh face, Samuel Amo-Ameyaw.
E. DEVIN
Published on 03/18/2025 at 23:00
3-minute read
Samuel Amo-Ameyaw made a bright start to life in Ligue 1 on Sunday

An England youth international, the Hackney-born 18-year-old had joined on loan from Southampton on deadline day, but had only featured in the Coupe de France to date. His play on Sunday showed that he is more than deserving of a bigger role in the team, now and in the future, as Racing retain a purchase option. Read on for more about the youngster's background, breakthrough match, and what Rosenior expects of him in the next few months.

Born in London to Ghanaian parents, Amo-Ameyaw has been a regular presence in England's youth setup since U-16s. He was initially a part of Tottenham Hotspur's academy, but made the switch to Southampton, a club well-known for its ability to develop young talent, in 2022, aged 16. Saints' struggles in the intervening years (as well as a torrent of managerial changes) have meant that his opportunities for playing time with the first team have often been limited, as it's been needs must as the club have been either chasing promotion or scrapping to avoid the drop.

Despite making his Premier League debut down the back end of the 2022/23 season, he made just three league appearances last season, and two this, and would join Racing having played only four hundred minutes of senior football with the English club. Given Racing's strong form and his competition in wide areas (Amo-Ameyaw played at right wingback on Sunday, but is also capable of being used as a number ten), his opportunities looked to be limited in Alsace as well, but the confluence of events which allowed him to make a start on Sunday included the faith of Rosenior, who was quick to underscore his play post-match on Sunday (see above).

Looking at highlights of his play, Amo-Ameyaw's ability is clear. Despite his small size and slight frame, his ability on the ball and wiry strength make him a menace with the ball at his feet. His vision and ambition make him a goal threat as well, and his workrate makes him an ideal wingback in the modern game. With more to come this season (and potentially next, especially if European football is secured), Amo-Ameyaw could very well be writing the next chapter of the story of English players succeeding in France.

Read more:

>> Georges Mikautadze: Lyon's attacker rounds into form

>> Multiplex: Racing edge Toulouse in battle of European hopefuls

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