Ex-Charlton manager Guy Luzon says Naby Sarr needed time to adapt to English football.
Sarr, 24, was brought to the club for a seven-figure fee in 2015 when Luzon was in charge.
Despite struggling in his debut season and in a loan spell with Red Star Paris, current boss Karl Robinson gave the French defender a lifeline in the summer.
And in his first league start of the 2017/18 campaign, Sarr starred in Charlton’s 3-1 win over Fleetwood last month, and could keep his place for the Doncaster clash on Saturday.
Luzon, who is now managing Israeli club Maccabi Haifa, told News Shopper: “When Naby arrived, he needed time to adapt to English football.
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“It was difficult for him and it wasn't his time. It was the same for a few other players.
“I’m happy now that he is adapting to English football.
“Naby is a threat in the air and is technically good with the ball.”
Sarr was signed with other players who were unable to cope with the physicality of the Championship.
Cristian Ceballos, Simon Makienok, El-Hadji Ba and Zakarya Bergdich failed to perform in a season which ended in relegation.
But Ahmed Kashi, who was also a new arrival at the Valley in the summer of 2015, is now an important member of Robinson’s side.
Ahmed Kashi | Picture: Benjamin Peters Photography
Long-term achilles injuries have limited Kashi’s appearances over the past two campaigns.
Luzon believes the Algeria midfielder is good enough to play in England’s second tier.
He added: “Kashi was one of our key players. But unfortunately, he got injured. It was very difficult. When he started the season for us, we had good results.
“He was the playmaker from midfield. He could start the attacks and knew how to organise a game.
“A scout told me he was playing for Metz and spoke about his quality and I saw him and liked him and brought him to the club.
“I’m sure he has the qualities to play in a higher league. If Charlton are promoted, he’ll be a good player in the Championship.”
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