Josh Cullen returned to Charlton’s line-up for his side’s goalless draw with Fulham on Tuesday night, his first appearance since November.
A favourite of Lee Bowyer’s the midfielder has proved instrumental over the 18 months he’s been at The Valley, and Tuesday was no different.
On-loan from West Ham for a second successive season, the midfielder was at the peak of his powers before injuring ligaments in his ankle in the 2-2 draw with Cardiff last year.
In the 23-year-old’s absence, the Addicks have only won once, and although there has been a mountain of injuries at the club, the loss if the Irish international has been felt more than most.
If Darren Pratley is the enforcer of the Charlton midfield, then Cullen is the general, dictating play, composed on the ball, finding passes others can’t see, and keeping possession.
That’s not to say he’s not afraid of a tackle or two.
The midfielder is aware he isn’t back to his best yet, who would with just four training sessions under their belt, but many Charlton fans could already see the benefit of having Cullen back in the side.
Cullen is class, makes everyone around him play so much better #cafc
— Scott Chalkley (@ScottChalkleyy) January 22, 2020
Great gutsy performance tonight 👏
— Robcafc (@crimp_it) January 22, 2020
Priority 1 = Get Josh Cullen on a permanent 🔴 #cafc #charlton
How good was this man on his return to the #cafc team tonight.. The boy is an absolute machine and shows how much we’ve missed him.
— Ben (@BenCAFC93) January 22, 2020
We’ve got Cullen, Super Josh Cullen!
Now go and get him on a permanent @CAFCofficial before West Ham try and renew his contract.🙏🏼😍 pic.twitter.com/vjWdyeCbx8
So great to have all those players back. We finished stronger. Looked more confident even though we were lacking in the final 1/3. Welcome back Sir Josh Cullen, how we have missed you! #cafc
— Groundhopper (@valleyman1973) January 22, 2020
I think we could have nicked it, good performance and not surprised our clean sheet happens when Cullen is back...! Purrington played better than his last full outing also - Pratley deserves and needs a rest in my mind #cafc
— Mick (@CharltonBlogger) January 22, 2020
0-0 was fair imo. Defended well, players back really showed their worth. What a talent cullen is. Him on a permanent would be massive. Atmosphere was unreal considering the attendance. See you all in Feb when we have some fresh new players #cafc
— rhys (@RhysCafc44) January 22, 2020
Good result tonight rounded off with the return of our injured players. Team looks so much more sound with Cullen in midfield, throw in Jonny and Oz. Hemed I thought was outstanding with his workload tonight and great to see Taylor back...#CAFC #COYR #MyOnlyDesire
— Will Powlesland (@WillieP75) January 22, 2020
Defence has had some stick recently, but it’s no coincidence that the first game with Cullen back and something resembling an 18 we keep a clean sheet. #cafc
— Nozza_ (@Nozza_) January 22, 2020
It’s no coincidence we keep a clean sheet with josh Cullen back and Naby sarr on the bench . #cafc
— SE7 Charlton Podcast (@SE7Pod) January 22, 2020
Great performance. Solid defensively. Well drilled. Frustrated Fulham. Looked like the Charlton at the beginning of the season. Having Cullen and Jonny fully fit is huge 👏👏 #cafc
— Bray Ash (@ash24b) January 22, 2020
Am I right in saying we hadn’t kept a single clean sheet since Cullen got injured? God I love him, pay the boy anything ESI #cafc
— Tom Smith (@intomnia) January 22, 2020
Clean sheet and a well earned point against a very good side. Something to build on with some big games to come. Great to see Cullen back out there pulling the strings too. Bowyer tied up. Good evening all round ⚪️🔴🙌🏼 #cafc
— Alex Rogans (@RogDog_CAFC) January 22, 2020
Cullen playing a full 90 mins on his first game back. He is unbelievable😍#cafc
— ab (@Abbyreaderx) January 22, 2020
Cullen makes such a difference to our shape. Intelligent footballer. Good to have him back fit. 🔴⚪️ #cafc
— James Nunweek (@Gavialinae) January 22, 2020
Cullen is an absolute machine #CAFC
— Jamie (@WhyTwoJamie) January 22, 2020
Cullen returns... Clean sheet... Machine 👀 #cafc
— Steve Bennett (@SteveBennett17) January 22, 2020
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article