Nathan Asiimwe’s development excites Charlton Athletic boss Dean Holden

Dean Holden says that Nathan Asiimwe has impressed since stepping up to Charlton Athletic’s first-team squad.

The 18-year-old played at right wing-back in the Addicks’ recently pre-season friendly win at Dartford.

Charlton are looking to add defensively on both flanks – with the left-sided role a priority to address – but Asiimwe’s development is proving food for thought down the other side.

Asiimwe played the closing stages of the Addicks’ final game of last season at Cheltenham Town.

Holden told the South London Press: “There is a large chunk of this group that we’re really excited about, and I was excited about before I came into the job – looking at the videos of the games. Now working close hand with them on this trip, the excitement level is building.

“Nathan carries the physical profile we want, certainly from a player in that position. Aerobically he can do the work and he can get high numbers in terms of the work he can do off the ball, getting up and down the pitch. Anaerobically he is quick and you don’t often get that in players.

“Sometimes you get a player who is rapid but physically won’t be able to do the work aerobically. He carries both threats. He is strong and powerful, for his age.

“Like a lot of players he has got a lot to learn but the key thing is you can’t get him off the training pitch. He is a wonderful, humble lad who wants to be the best possible footballer he can be.

“I’ve been pleased with Nathan. He is doing a very good job so far and in our thinking, for sure.”

PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS