CrystalPalace

Tyrick Mitchell: ‘It hasn’t been the easiest route, so it’s more special’

05-Nov-2021 14:00:05 | The Guardian

Crystal Palace defender on his childhood and beating timekeeping issues and Brentford’s academy closure to reach the top

“It’s been like a whirlwind,” says Tyrick Mitchell. The Crystal Palace defender is reflecting on life under Patrick Vieira a few days after he was part of the side that defeated the champions, Manchester City, on their home patch, although the 22-year-old could easily be talking about his own career.

As a youngster Mitchell had trials with Watford but struggled with attendance because his absent father was in and out of prison, leaving his mother to survive on benefits. His dream of becoming a professional looked doomed when Brentford closed their academy in May 2016 – two months after he had signed his first contract. Now firmly established as Palace’s first-choice left-back, he has started every Premier League match since Vieira succeeded Roy Hodgson in the summer and insists he never lost faith in his ability.