Only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland has scored more English league goals than Charlton’s Alfie May in 2023.
May’s 27 Sky Bet League One strikes this calendar year rank is just one less than Haaland's Premier League tally.
“He’s not daft or stupid, he’s aware of that and people have been telling him for a while now,” explained Michael Appleton. “At the end of the day, the most important thing is to stay fit, stay healthy and make sure he’s playing week in, week out. That way he gives himself a great chance of getting close to the great big man.”
Appleton hailed the flexibility and personality of May, who has already bagged 15 goals for the Addicks.
“He’s an infectious character and someone that's so important to the group,” said the Head Coach. “What’s been pleasing for me, and hopefully for him, is his ability and adaptability to play in different positions.
“Since I’ve been here, he’s played right across the front three - as a nine, off the side as a seven and 11 and he’s also done that 10 role at times for us,” Appleton continued. “I think he’s quite enjoyed that because I do say to him, and I’ve said it many times after games, that as an instinctive striker and goalscorer as he is, sometimes arriving late into the box can be an advantage rather than a disadvantage. If you look at some of the goals he’s scored when he plays up top, he can run in behind and hurt teams but he can also come into the box late as well.”
