Player Profile - Serge Atakayi
An exciting winger for the Rangers youth sides, Atakayi was given his first team opportunity by Steven Gerrard on 11th November 2018. It was a well deserved call up for the youngster who was viewed as one of the best prospects within the Academy set-up. A small but solid player, Serge had an explosive turn of pace, possessed a low centre of gravity and was not short of trickery. He played the game with a smile on his face and, on his day, was capable of giving opposing full-backs a tough time whilst pitching in with a goal or two.
His long awaited debut would prove to be a day of mixed emotions for the likeable 19 year-old. Rangers moved to within two points of top spot in the Premiership with a 7-1 thumping of 10-man Motherwell at Ibrox with Atakayi coming off the bench. On introduction, he performed well but sadly suffered a serious ankle injury later in the match forcing him to once again leave the pitch. Having waited more than 3 years to savour the occasion, it was a cruel blow.
On returning to full fitness, after a somewhat lengthy lay off, he was unable to do enough to earn a new contract.
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as a youngster he applied for asylum when visiting Finland with other members of his youth football team. He commenced his playing career in Finland and, in May 2015, became the youngest scorer in the history of the Finnish top tier.
Returning to Finland to sign for SJK Seinajoki in December 2019, Atakyi then moved to the League of Ireland where he has played for both St. Patrick's Athletic and Waterford without managing to fulfil that undoubted early potential.
by Rick Plews
