Ryan Sessegnon must make sacrifices to become one of the best in the world, says Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic

Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images
Philip Duncan19 February 2017

Ryan Sessegnon must be prepared to make sacrifices in order to become one of the very best in the game, according to Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic.

Sessegnon, who turned only 16 in May, has had tongues wagging this season with a string of impressive displays for the Championship side.

The left back scored in Fulham's Emirates FA Cup third-round victory against Cardiff to to become one of the youngest players to hit the back of the net in the history of the tournament.

He also scored in the 4-1 thrashing of Premier League side Hull in the last round.

Arsenal and Tottenham are said to be leading the chase to land his services, and with Spurs facing Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday, Sessegnon will be provided with the perfect stage to demonstrate his much-talked about talents.

"He is definitely going to be a good player in the future, but now it depends if he wants to be the best or only a good player," Jokanovic said. "His future is going to be in his hands.

"To be the best in the world you have to make sacrifices. You have to forget your family, your friends, money, and you don't have time for enjoying many things.

"At this moment he is a fantastic project of the football club. I will try and help him and push him in the right direction."

Sessegnon attends the Coombe Boys' School which is across the road from Fulham's training headquarters in Motspur Park. He joined Fulham as a nine-year-old, and his twin brother Steven is also part of the club's academy.

Jokanovic, the former Chelsea midfielder who has provided some much-needed stability at Fulham, handed Sessegnon his debut against Leyton Orient in the EFL Cup in August, and from there he has not looked back.

Later that month, the teenager became the Championship's youngest scorer in Fulham's 2-2 draw against Cardiff, and he already has 17 appearances under his belt this season.

"He is a kid, but right now I treat him like an adult, too," Jokanovic added. "What he is doing in training, the dressing room and the days where he must compete is what others are doing. He has jumped some years ahead.

"The first time I worked with him, he was recommended to me. I said 'fifteen? Okay'. I wasn't sure this was an especially good decision.

"Last season he was working only one or two days with us but after a few minutes you can observe this player is good, his body shape is perfect and he makes it look easy. In pre-season I decided to bring him in and start working with us.

"I spoke with my assistant and I said I have to put this kid in the team because he is a very good footballer player. This chance that the club gave him, he gives us many favours back and in the future he can be better, improve our team and improve himself."

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