Charlton has a secret weapon in player Nathan Jones, described as a “different specimen”: View
If Charlton Athletic are to challenge for promotion next season, striker Chuks Aneke might play a key role.
Aneke’s effect is critical for Charlton; his physical presence and talent have the potential to affect the game.
Limiting Aneke’s playing time to avoid injury has proven beneficial; his influence as a substitute is tremendous.
A completely fit Aneke can improve Charlton’s performance; having him available next season is critical to success.
Charlton Athletic had a disappointing season in League One, finishing last in the league for the first time since 1926, but striker Chuks Aneke might be a bright spot for the club next season.
Aneke, a former Arsenal trainee, rejoined the Addicks in January 2022, only half a season after leaving The Valley to join his old manager Lee Bowyer at Birmingham City.
He has suffered with injuries, which have kept him out for much of his most recent term in SE7. During this time, the forward has appeared in only seven games and scored seven goals
When people think of the most effective attackers in League One, they typically think of Colby Bishop, Alfie May, and Devante Cole. However, Charlton supporters will tell you that when Aneke is totally healthy, he is right up there with those names as one of the top attackers in the division in terms of impacting games.
Aneke’s effect is clear.
This season, Charlton has battled for form, finishing 16th in League One. They won only 11 games this season and lost 1-0 to Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park on Saturday.
Aneke’s injury woes have limited him to 17 outings this season. In those 17 games, the Addicks have 26 points, which is little under half of the 53 points they won during the season. Aneke suffered his first defeat of the season against the Chairboys on Saturday, after contributing to five victories and 11 draws.
Due to the risk of injury when he begins games, Aneke has been used primarily as an impact replacement by manager Nathan Jones since his arrival in February, with him often coming on around the 60-minute mark. Charlton’s only two starts this season have resulted in their two most comprehensive victories: a 4-1 win over Exeter City and a 4-0 win over Reading.
Following Charlton’s 2-2 draw with Wigan Athletic earlier this month, Aneke told the club’s official X account that his injury setbacks would not deter him.
He stated: “I’ve had a rough season. Everyone knows I’ve been dealing with injuries, but credit to me; I just keep coming back, and I will continue to do so.”
Keeping Aneke fit will be vital for Charlton next season.
Aneke has one year remaining on the deal he signed when he returned to the club, and his injury record will undoubtedly deter any possible suitors, so he will most certainly stay at The Valley for the 2024/25 season.
Despite playing just 517 minutes in League One this season, Aneke has two goals and two assists. However, it is his physical presence, aerial talent, and ability to bring others into action that make him such a formidable opponent for any division defence.
Aneke demonstrated his goal-scoring skills the one time he appeared on a regular basis in a League One season with Charlton. During the 2020/21 season, Aneke made 38 appearances and scored one every 102 minutes, totaling 15 league goals.
Jones has emphasised the need of being cautious with Aneke, telling London News Online: “We can never hurry anything with Chuks because he’s a different species to other individuals. “We have to be cautious.”
Aneke has featured in 11 of the previous 15 League One games, so everyone at Charlton will be hoping that a solution has been found to maximise his availability for next season. If the striker is able to stay fit for the duration of the season, the Addicks’ chances of success rise significantly.
