Charlton Athletic defensive prospect hoping to boost first-team prospects by also becoming midfield option

BY RICHARD CAWLEY
richard@slpmedia.co.uk

Zach Mitchell is hoping that being able to play in midfield as well as defence will increase his likelihood of greater first-team involvement at Charlton Athletic.

The 19-year-old recently signed a new contract that runs until 2027 with a club option of a further 12 months.

Mitchell, whose older brother Billy plays for Millwall, had been set to see his old deal expire in the summer.

He made his debut for the Addicks two years ago in a 2-1 win over Brighton U21s in the EFL Trophy and has added another 12 appearances.

“I’m really pleased to be extending my time here,” Mitchell told the South London Press. “I’ve been at the club for a long time, since the age of seven, and I’ve got a strong affinity with it. Talks began after pre-season. It had been going on in the background, so it’s nice to have got it sorted.

“I want to establish myself as a player in the first team and contribute as much as I can.”

Mitchell could gain extra minutes in tomorrow’s FA Cup first round tie at Southend United.

He was a 66th-minute replacement for Rarmani Edmonds-Green in August’s EFL Cup loss to Birmingham.

Charlton boss Nathan Jones has switched in recent matches to a 4-2-2-2 formation after starting off the season 5-3-2. It means there has been one fewer centre-back spot up for grabs.

But Mitchell said: “We’ve been experimenting with me going into that midfield role occasionally. I’d be happy to explore that role as well.

“Coming up from the academy I have interchanged between centre-back and centre midfield and that has helped give me the other side of my game, in terms of being comfortable in possession.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with the manager. He has come in with a really nuanced and detailed philosophy – he’s created a positive culture.

“He’s got high standards and he is passionate, you can see that reflected in the performances. I want to uphold those standards.”

Mitchell spent last season on loan at Colchester United and scored twice in 29 appearances.

Asked how he has developed from the player that faced the Seagulls in November 2022, Mitchell said: “I’ve definitely learned a lot in terms of the finer details around defending.

“I’ve come up against different types of strikers – I’ve dealt with bigger ones, that was probably experienced more in League Two. But also having the smaller striker who might drop in and spin off your shoulder.

“I’ve come on with my leadership in the sense I am trying to communicate more.

“I’m trying to adapt to different tactics and learn how to play how a manager wants but also put a unique spin on that.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD