Like father, like son, the idiom goes.
And Elliot Lee, son of former Addick and England international Robert, is epitomising that as he follows in his father’s footsteps, though the 26-year-old has a fervent desire to blaze his own trail at Charlton.
The pair became only the second father-son duo to represent the south London club – succeeding Keith and Gavin Peacock – when Lee junior earned a 14-minute cameo against Crewe Alexandra at The Valley in late August, before further family history was forged in SE7 just three days later.
Enjoying his full Addicks debut against Crawley Town in the Papa John’s Trophy, the attacking midfielder latched onto George Dobson’s long ball forward in behind the visitors’ defence before showcasing his pedigree with a series of skilled touches.
The first masterfully brought the ball under his spell, the second nutmegged George Francomb and the third saw Charlton’s number 17 arrow a pinpoint left-footed effort beyond Blondy Nna Noukeu under the watchful eye of Robert, as the pair became the first father-son duo to score for the Addicks.
Fans’ Favourite
The 26-year-old has already established himself as a firm fans’ favourite in south London, with Charlton supporters’ tongue in cheek chant – first debuted at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium – likening their mercurial midfielder to Brazil legend Pelé.
“To be honest, I don’t know all the words myself,” Lee says. “[The fans] started singing it in the first-half and I was like, ‘I’m sure I just heard my name but I’m not sure what the words are!’ Everyone was trying to work it out.
“It wasn’t until after the game when I got in my car and I was getting all these tweets and Whatsapps. It was a surreal moment. It’s the first sing I’ve ever had about me in football, it gave me goosebumps and tingles down my spine.
“I’ve been at other clubs before and fans have liked you, but it’s a completely different feeling when they’re singing your name; it makes you feel like the best player in the world, it makes you perform better. It’s just a great feeling and I’m loving every minute of it.”
Lee The Linchpin
The Luton Town loanee has been an ever-present member of Johnnie Jackson’s resurgent Charlton side, playing all but 25 minutes in Sky Bet League One as the Addicks have claimed 14 points from a possible 21 under the 39-year-old’s tutelage, having amassed just nine points in 13 games under Jackson’s predecessor Nigel Adkins.
Lee’s appeal is as much based on what he does off the ball as what he does on it. Not only does the 26-year-old boast the guts and guile to match his natural flair and creativity, he displays an unwavering willingness to press high up the pitch, making him tailor-made to serve as the free roaming playmaker role in the boss’ fluid 3-5-2 system.
Operating in Jackson’s unchanged midfield trio alongside combative anchorman George Dobson and the seemingly indefatigable Alex Gilbey, Lee has the licence to get forward in support of the front two of Conor Washington and Jayden Stockley, with academy graduate Josh Davison deputising in recent weeks following the latter’s dismissal at Burton.
Simply Sensational
Often the catalyst for the Addicks’ attacking threat, the Durham-born midfielder has strung together an array of eye-catching displays in a Charlton shirt of late, none more so than against then league leaders Plymouth Argyle, who arrived in the capital enjoying a 16-match unbeaten in the third tier, with Ryan Lowe’s side’s only reverse coming against Rotherham United – a side with promotion aspirations of their own – on the opening day.
Addicks aficionados were sent into raptures on 61 minutes when Ben Purrington volleyed gloriously past Michael Cooper, though there was a tangible tension among The Valley crowd as the game grew old, with Charlton’s dominance only yielding a one-goal advantage.
But with six minutes remaining, Akin Famewo’s headed clearance worked its way to Lee, who, having already scanned the pitch intently, chested the ball down elegantly deep inside his own territory before delivering an exquisite, lofted pass for the obliging Washington to race onto and settle the outcome.
Ultimately, in a game of fine margins, it was Lee’s quality that told in front of a bumper SE7 crowd.
“He’s Playing Like His Heart Bleeds Charlton”
Reflecting on Lee’s sumptuous assist, interim boss Jackson said: “It’s a great goal all round. A counter-attack… and that’s Elliot Lee’s quality. We know he can do that; he’s been doing it consistently for me. But it’s the other side of the game that he is doing.
“He’s been outstanding – the work-rate you’re getting. He’s on loan to us but he’s playing like his heart bleeds Charlton. You can’t ask any more.”
Naturally, the clamour for Charlton to make Lee’s move a permanent one will be growing by the week, and rightly so as the midfielder continues to ooze class.
