5 things we learned from Charlton’s win over Stevenage

The Addicks came from behind after Fraser Franks gave Stevenage the lead against the run of play.

But goals from Karlan Ahearne-Grant and Jake Forster-Caskey on either side of half-time capped off a dazzling Charlton display.

Here are five things we learned…

Charlton have discovered a secret gem in Tariqe Fosu

Not many fans had heard about Fosu after the club signed him for an undisclosed fee from Reading last month. A 21-year-old winger, who impressed in a loan spell with League Two Colchester in the 2016/17 campaign - maybe he’d be a good squad player for the Addicks.

Tariqe Fosu | Picture: Benjamin Peters Photography 

But after a fine display against Crumlin United in Dublin and an even better one at Stevenage on Saturday, Fosu is staking a serious claim to be in Karl Robinson’s starting eleven. Every attack went through the youngster and he terrorised Stevenage’s back-line. He’s got pace, tricky and brings much-needed creativity to the team. Don’t be surprised if he tears it up in League One this season.

Jake Forster-Caskey and Ahmed Kashi look set to be Robinson’s preferred midfield pairing

It’s the first time Robinson has been able to opt for Forster-Caskey and Kashi in the middle of the park. It’s only pre-season so you can’t take too much away from it, however, the pair did look very strong alongside each other in the 4-2-3-1 formation.

MORE: Karl Robinson not expecting further departures at Charlton this summer

Kashi’s deep-lying midfield role naturally allowed Forster-Caskey to bomb forward and become involved in Charlton’s attacks. Kashi has suffered two long-term injuries in as many seasons, so Robinson will be wary about immediately throwing him into a League One game. But going forward, if the Algeria international stays fit, then this is Charlton’s strongest central midfield paring.

Jay Dasilva could struggle against physical League One sides

Dasilva’s spectacular end to last season with Charlton was enough to earn the full-back a new Chelsea contract and a season-long loan at the Valley. The England Under-19 captain’s attacking traits are there to see, and he puts a good shift in defensively, too.

Jay Dasilva | Picture: Benjamin Peters Photography

But there were times on Saturday where he was outdone physically - whether it was in the air or going into a 50/50 tackle, it was a weakness that Stevenage tried to exploit. There will be very physical sides in League One this season, and Dasilva could be targeted.

Mark Marshall’s injury will be a massive blow for Charlton

Mark Marshall left the Lamex Stadium on crutches with his right leg in a protective brace. The former Bradford man had his head buried in his shirt when being replaced in the 28th-minute after injuring his knee.

Marshall, who was one of the best players in League One last season, has been viewed as Charlton’s most exciting summer signing. So any time spent on the sidelines, with the season less than two weeks away, will come as a major blow for the club.

Mark Marshall is subbed off against Stevenage | Picture: Benjamin Peters Photography 

Charlton lucky to escape with just one injury

The Addicks will be counting their lucky stars that it was just Marshall who was forced off with an injury. Stevenage striker Rowan Liburd committed two disgraceful fouls on Ricky Holmes in the opening stages of the game.

Each late tackle would’ve seen him yellow carded or possibility even sent off, if it wasn't a pre-season fixture. Holmes needed treatment for the second foul, and was fortunately fit enough to carry on.