Academy Director Steve Avory has praised Daniel Kanu for seizing his opportunity in the first team this season.
Kanu, who joined Charlton as an U11, has been rewarded with a new long-term contract until 2027.
The 19-year-old striker has enjoyed an impressive campaign to date, netting four times for the Addicks, making his senior debut for Sierra Leone and also bagging four goals in one game during a successful loan spell with Southend United.
Avory said: “I don’t think there is anybody who is more grounded than Daniel. He comes into the training ground with a great big smile on his face and he loves every day here. He's another one who has come through since the early years of the academy.
"I feel that he has earned his place in the first team squad this season. He went out on loan, which I think was necessary at the time, to Southend and what a good move that proved to be, scoring four goals in one game! We certainly underlined his ability to play at that level, for sure. The club brought him back here in December and since he's returned he's been grabbing that opportunity again.
“When I think of Daniel on the pitch, he's a player that's always on his toes, always alert and ready whether you are in or out of possession. He's massive threat in behind with his pace and his movement has got a lot better in the past year or so."
Kanu won the 2021/22 Valley Gold Young Player of the Year award after scoring 41 goals for the academy.
“The stability he has got around him is in relation to the academy staff I feel," explained Avory. "When I think of the staff that have worked with him in recent times, they are staff that have been at this club and the academy for five to six years or more. I'm referring to people like Hamza Serrar, Anthony Hayes and Rhys Williams as well who has worked with him through the foundation phase."
Charlton fans can support the academy by signing up to the Valley Gold scheme. Valley Gold enables fans to support the club’s academy in unearthing the talents of tomorrow, as well as giving them the chance to win cash prizes.
Click here for more information on how you can become a Valley Gold member.
