"Revelation" - Millwall FC player lauded for shock impact as potential Romain Esse 2.0 emerges | OneFootball

FLW's Millwall fan pundit discussed the emergence of Ra'ess Bangura-Williams

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Millwall were powerless to prevent the sale of prized asset Romain Esse to Crystal Palace in January, but the early evidence is beginning to suggest they already have a potential replacement for the highly-rated winger in the form of Ra'ess Bangura-Williams.

After spending the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns in a bit-part role, academy product Esse enjoyed a stunning half-season campaign in the Championship before earning a move across London to Crystal Palace last month.

Having been widely regarded as one of the most exciting talents outside the Premier League, the 19-year-old wide man returned four league goals from 24 appearances to earn his switch to Selhurst Park, which has reportedly seen Millwall pocket a handsome £14.5 million sum.

There was understandable concern relating to just how Millwall were going to replace Esse, who remarkably scored with only his first touch against Brentford on debut.

However, as Esse begins to illuminate his name in the top-flight, Millwall appear to have potentially found their own replacement in Bangura-Williams, who has stepped up admirably as of late following the teenager's big-money exit.

Millwall FC verdict offered on Ra'ess Bangura-Williams

FLW asked our Lions fan pundit, Lucas Ball, to describe his excitement about Bangura-Williams and whether he believes the attacking midfielder can emulate Esse's impact.

Bangura-Williams has made a huge impression since stepping up to fill the void left by Esse, and Lucas is excited by the 20-year-old's clear potential.

"Ra'ess Bangura-Williams has been a real revelation ever since he came into the side," Lucas told FLW.

"We were all obviously worried about losing Romain Esse going into January, in a team that didn't create much as it was. He was the main creative force within that, as well.

"You looked at a squad which already didn't create much and then losing him on top of that, there were obvious fears and rightly so. We haven't always necessarily spent well, so there was a big onus on getting these deals right and we've done that so far, the youth academy seems to be developing more technical players, some good characters alongside that as well.

"He [Bangura-Williams] has been really impressive since coming through, he's shown that bravery, he does have that little bit of 'Millwall-ness' about him which we always like to see, he's a real strong character along with the technical ability he has.

"He's played everywhere behind the frontman as well, so that versatility to be able to play anywhere in that three, with Alex Neil playing a 4-2-3-1 at the moment, is going to be vital.

"He shifted out wide on the weekend to make room for Luke Cundle through the middle and was impressive, hit the post with an effort from range.

"But yeah, he wants the ball, he's hungry, he wants to take players on, he wants to be brave and get involved, and you can tell he wants to get goal contributions to his name. He's got a great eye for a pass too, so I'm very happy with the impact he's made so far and long may it continue."

Ra'ess Bangura-Williams' Millwall FC form

Remarkably, Bangura-Williams only made his senior debut less than a month ago, appearing from the bench to find the back of the net in the Lions' 3-0 FA Cup third-round victory over Dagenham & Redbridge.

That, however, paved the path for him to graduate into the first-team frame, and it's an opportunity he has seized with both hands.

The playmaker's first start came in a 2-2 draw at home to Cardiff City, where he left Bluebirds defenders with twisted blood for most of the evening and grabbed a spectacular assist for Casper de Norre.

Bangura-Williams got his second assist in as many games for Mihailo Ivanovic's stunner in the win over Luton Town, before setting up another for the Serb in the subsequent victory at Portsmouth, too.

Most recently, the prospect turned out a fine display against QPR and is swiftly beginning to establish himself as one of the Championship's most exciting breakout talents.

Esse's departure was a blow for Millwall, of course, but it has seemingly paved the way for Bangura-Williams to make his mark and that should continue to pay dividends for Alex Neil's side.