Jonny Williams is representing Charlton in the STAY INtertoto Cup FIFA online gaming competition and started out with a convincing 5-2 victory over Greek side PAOK on Monday.
The competition has been organised to help raise money for NHS staff and to keep football fans entertained during the COVID-19 crisis, with 64 different clubs being represented by one of their players.
Williams’ Addicks side have been drawn into Group H alongside PAOK, Leeds United and Northampton Town, with the top two clubs in the group progressing to the knockout stages.
Williams made short work of PAOK goalkeeper Symeon Papadopoulos in his first match, as Macauley Bonne, Lyle Taylor (2) and Williams himself (2) all found the net in a comfortable 5-2 win.
“I used to play FIFA with Andros Townsend a lot when I was at Palace,” explained the Wales international.
“He messaged me and said there was an all-players tournament, would I fancy doing it for Charlton so I said ‘why not!’.
“I got off to a good start so we’ll see what happens. I’ve got Patrick Bamford, who I’ve played with before, in my group as well, so I’m looking forward to the game against Leeds.
It’s good fun and it’s all for a good cause during a difficult time.”
Meanwhile, Williams explained that he has had to put his management cap on when deciding on his starting XI for the tournament.
“I’m just going with a 4-4-2, me and Ozzy (Erhun Oztumer) in the centre of midfield, so it’s a small midfield, but we’re agile!” he said.
“Deji Oshilaja is unbelievable and is a rock at the back. It’s all about getting the ball to Lyle Taylor and he bangs the goals in.
“I have Macauley Bonne up with him and he has a five-star weak foot which means he can shoot with either foot and it’s just as good, so he’s a bit of a secret weapon.”
Williams will continue the tournament with a clash against Northampton Town’s Callum Morton at 5pm on Tuesday. (Note: Due to server issues, this has now been put back to 7.15pm).
Supporters will be able to watch the action unfold live via Williams’ Twitch channel which can be found by clicking here.
Fans can also find out more and donate to the cause by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stayintertotocup.