Olly Groome reports
Charlton Athletic are delighted to confirm that Anfernee Dijksteel has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract extension that will keep him at the club until June 2020.
The 20-year-old midfielder first arrived at The Valley in January 2016 after catching the eye while playing against the Addicks for the Nike Academy and quickly became a vital component of Jason Euell’s development squad.
Dijksteel has edged closer towards the first-team picture this term, taking his place among the substitutes for the first time during the Checkatrade Trophy clash with Crawley Town in October and was an unused sub for last Saturday’s 2-1 victory at Bolton Wanderers.
The young midfielder said: “I’m very happy to sign a new contract and believe this is the right place to be for my future.
“I’ve seen what some of my teammates have achieved in the first-team and I want to follow them and play alongside them again.
“My next goal is to make my debut and I know that will happen when the time is right. Karl Robinson is a manager who trusts young players and gives them a chance if he thinks they are ready.”
Charlton boss Robinson revealed his delight at tying down a ‘fantastic talent’, saying: “Anfernee is somebody that has got a bright future. He’s still very, very young in his development but is someone that has really impressed me and the rest of the staff since I walked in the door.
“His game understanding is excellent and he is very good in possession of the ball, as a lot of players that come from Holland are. He’s strong, he covers the ground extremely well and we felt that it was very important to get the deal done, to keep him here and to see where we can take his career.”
“His game understanding is excellent and he is very good in possession of the ball, as a lot of players that come from Holland are. He’s strong, he covers the ground extremely well and we felt that it was very important to get the deal done, to keep him here and to see where we can take his career.”
Prior to his move to London last year, Dijksteel had spent time with Amsterdamsche FC’s youth setup in his native Holland and received a call-up to his country’s U20 squad last March.
He joins Joe Aribo as the latest Addicks youngsters to commit their future to the club in recent weeks.