Josh Cullen slipped back into the Charlton Athletic team seamlessly during the 0-0 draw against Fulham.
On the chalkboard
This match was not one for the ages, with the Addicks taking just four shots throughout the 90 minutes and holding 32% of possession.
However, there were definitely positives to take from the game: the most obvious one is that Lee Bowyer’s side got another point on the board, while a big takeaway is that Cullen came back in the lineup.
The Republic of Ireland international had missed 11 Championship games due to torn ankle ligaments, but slotted back into the team well upon his return.
Efficient play
Looking at the 23-year-old’s performances across the campaign, it can be seen that he can make an impact across the pitch, getting a goal and assist, while averaging 1.8 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 1.5 clearances, 1.4 key passes and 0.6 dribbles per game.
He was able to perform with similar effectiveness and efficiency against the Cottagers, as shown by the statistics below.
The man on loan from West Ham United was not necessarily involved as much as he has been at times, as he made one tackle, competed in one aerial duel and made one dribble, but the fact that he was successful in all of those highlights his efficiency.
It should also be noted that he managed one interception and two clearances throughout the 90 minutes.
There was a definite level of quality shown in his delivery of the ball, as he completed 90% of his attempted passes, which included one key pass.
Who is that?!?! Can you name all of these obscure Charlton players?
This wasn’t sporadic either, as he held 3.9% of the game’s overall possession, which is a fairly significant amount considering Charlton only had 32% – Dillon Phillips was the solitary Addicks player who had more than Cullen, with 4%.
Cullen also took four corners throughout the game, finding a man with two of those, which is a fairly solid return considering Erhun Oztumer took two without being accurate with either of them.
Following the game, Bowyer described Cullen as “a machine” and with that level of efficiency it seems like a pretty accurate evaluation.
Meanwhile, Charlton should be seriously concerned by the form of one transfer target.