Charlton started the season in fine form after winning the League One playoffs last term, winning four and drawing two of their first games back in the Championship.
In those games, Lyle Taylor – the Addicks’ talisman – was fit and firing, scoring five goals before going on international duty with Montserrat.
Unfortunately for the 29-year-old and for Charlton, Taylor damaged his knee ligaments, resulting in a spell on the sidelines for the No.9 and a chance for another striker to step into the limelight.
That man was summer signing Macauley Bonne. Having spent last season in the National League with Leyton Orient, the Addicks made the 24-year-old their first signing of the summer, and he has deputised for Taylor admirably.
Bonne has scored five goals in just six starts, netting against a decent level of opposition with strikes against West Brom, Fulham and Derby.
So, should the 1-cap Zimbabwe international keep his place when Taylor is back? Lee Bowyer has revealed he could be back amongst the first team in a few weeks, so how should the Charlton boss deal with this upcoming selection dilemma? Football FanCast’s writers give their verdicts below…
Billy Meyers
“I think it would be a truly harsh decision from Bowyer to drop Bonne, given the impressive nature of his efforts since stepping into the spotlight. The 24-year-old has started to prove himself at Championship level in Taylor’s absence, with his goals earning Charlton five points – he netted point-earning goals in the 2-2 draws against Fulham and West Brom, and also hit the winner against Leeds. Bowyer should, at the very least, play the pair up front together, or wait until Bonne hits a dry patch in front of goal before making the drastic decision of dropping Bonne.”
Charles Jones
“I think Bonne should keep his place in the team after such a good run of form. Taylor has been watching him score on a regular basis, and surely he will understand Bowyer’s choice if he perseveres with the former Leyton Orient man for a little bit longer.
“It could be a real morale killer if Bonne is dropped after playing so well during Taylor’s absence, so for that reason Bowyer should keep him in the XI.
“That isn’t to say that he should remain in the team for the rest of the season, but he certainly deserves to play over the next few weeks.”
Kealan Hughes
“It would be very harsh on Bonne if he was to lose his place in the squad, as he had to bide his time waiting for an opportunity and has now certainly taken it with both hands.
“The fact Charlton have barely missed Taylor and continue picking up points is a great testament to Bonne’s contribution, and therefore Bowyer should trust both to play together up-front.“They have both showed at times this season that they are able to score a variety of goals, using their head and poaching ability, so therefore their movement would create problems for most opposition defences.“Bowyer has occasionally operated with a diamond formation, too, so it is a system he shouldn’t be too adverse to utilising, and it could allow the Addicks to be even better in attack – with them currently ranked seventh for goals scored in the Championship. VJ
“Having smashed in five goals in his last six Championship appearances for Charlton, Bonne is like a house on fire at the moment. The 24-year-old has been a revelation for the Addicks considering he was playing non-league football last year for Leyton Orient.
“Bowyer has a massive headache to deal with over whether or not a returning Lyle Taylor should come straight back into the side at Bonne’s expense. However, what kind of message would it send out to the striker and his fellow teammates if he is dropped despite his incredible form? Managing a squad is an art in itself, and so the Charlton boss simply has to keep faith in Bonne. The 24-year-old is riding a wave at the moment, and Bowyer would do well to avoid upsetting the apple cart.”
