Why Charlton Athletic should replace Thierry Small with Crystal Palace player - there are 3 clear reasons | OneFootball

Charlton Athletic should consider bringing in a player from their South London rivals to replace Thierry Small this summer.

Charlton Athletic will need to replace Thierry Small this summer following his move to Preston North End.

The 20-year-old impressed for the Addicks as they won promotion from League One last season, with his switch to the right-hand side midway through the campaign coinciding with a significant upturn in form for Nathan Jones' side.

However, despite returning to the Championship via the play-offs, Charlton were unable to convince Small to extend his stay in SE7 as he instead opted to sign for second tier rivals Preston on a four-year deal.

That means Jones will need to find a suitable replacement who can make an impact at both ends of the pitch next term, and Crystal Palace have a player who could be the perfect fit in wing-back, Danny Imray.

Let's take a look at three reasons why Charlton should consider signing the 21-year-old this summer, either on loan or on an ambitious permanent deal.

He knows the position

Small thrived for Charlton during the second half of the season in a position that saw him operate as a right wing-back with a real license to get forward when his side had the ball.

Imray played in a similar role under Andy Woodman during a loan spell at League Two side Bromley last season, with both his defensive nous and attacking capability making him one of the most dangerous wing-backs in the division.

Therefore, in theory, he should feel comfortable slotting into Jones' system in the position vacated by Small if he were to sign for Charlton this summer.

He is effective at both ends of the pitch

Imray's stats from last season back up the suggestion that he would be a good fit for this Charlton team, as per FotMob.

He ranked in the top 10% of players in his position for expected goals, expected assists, shots, chances created and successful crosses in League Two, while he ranked similarly for duels won, recoveries and possession won in the final third, which shows that he would be well suited to working under Nathan Jones.

If he could refine his game under a tactically astute manager like Jones and settle in quickly to life in the Championship, there is no reason why a player with the profile of Imray would not be an asset for the Addicks next season on the right-hand side.

He can create things by himself

There is every chance that Charlton will find themselves under pressure at times in many of their games in the Championship next season, and having a player like Imray would be ideal for those situations.

He ranked in the top 10% of players in his position for fouls won in League Two last season, while no player in his role completed more successful dribbles, had more touches in the opposition box, or won more penalties, according to FotMob.

His ability to carry the ball up the pitch not only relieves pressure on his teammates, but it also enables him to create opportunities for himself and his teammates single-handedly.

It could be seen as a risk to sign a player that spent last season in the fourth tier ahead of a return to the Championship, but Imray was linked with a move to Wycombe Wanderers in January and impressed against Newcastle United at St James' Park in the FA Cup earlier this year, so there are enough reasons to have faith in his ability to step up to a higher level.

The move would also make sense given that Imray seems to be settled in South London, and it could prove to be a shrewd piece of business if Charlton did decide to pursue a deal.