Aged just 18, Mason Burstow is already making a big impression at Charlton.
It has certainly been a fruitful introduction to senior football for the teenage forward, who is remarkably averaging a goal every 55 minutes – with three goals in six outings already for the Addicks hotshot.
Since joining the south Londoners from National League South side Maidstone United in October 2020, Burstow has quite simply gone from strength to strength.
Goals Galore
The striker starred for Anthony Hayes’ under-18s side last term as the young Addicks earned the Professional Development League 2 – South title in style, concluding the regular season with a scintillating run of 11 successive victories, in which they scored 41 goals while conceding just nine, to book a national play-off semi-final with Birmingham City.
After all, Burstow is no longer a stranger to the big stage having displayed the thrilling scale of his potential in front of the CharltonTV cameras in May, when the south Londoners prevailed against their northern counterparts at The Valley.
The 18-year-old’s icy composure was there for all to see in abundance in SE7 that day; first, he met Jason Adigun’s square ball with aplomb to send a first time left-footed effort flying past Bradley Mayo, though a quickfire brace from Blues captain Kieran Wakefield saw the hosts relinquish their two-goal lead with just a minute remaining.
No matter, Adigun and Burstow combined to devastating effect once again, this time culminating with the latter rounding the keeper coolly before stroking the ball into the visitors’ vacated net in stoppage time.
And although the young Addicks’ play-off campaign ended in defeat as Wigan Athletic prevailed, the talent Hayes unlocked from an undoubtedly promising crop of players ultimately went rewarded, with Burstow one of seven second-year scholars to pen a professional contract with Charlton last summer.
Dream Debut
Burstow’s senior bow arrived in late August against Crawley Town in the Papa John’s Trophy and although only fleeting, it proved long enough for the teenager to show why he is held in such high regard in south London.
The 18-year-old entered the fray with less than 10 minutes remaining and, just a minute later, notched his maiden Addicks goal with what was his first touch in professional football.
Enterprising wing play from Charles Clayden saw him deliver a clipped centre for the awaiting Burstow, who adjusted like a seasoned centre-forward to stoop and plant an excellent header beyond Blondy Nna Noukeu.
Another goal in his next outing doubled his tally, this time in the Emirates FA Cup first round against non-league opposition in Havant & Waterlooville. Having been on the pitch for little over four minutes, Burstow received the ball 40 yards from goal before proceeding to drive into the Hawks’ 18-yard box and rifle a right-footed effort past Will Mannion.
After impressing with another industrious display in the Papa John’s Trophy at Leyton Orient, the forward was handed his league debut by Johnnie Jackson, replacing Josh Davison 13 minutes from time against then league leaders Plymouth Argyle in front of a near-capacity Valley crowd.
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Burstow’s positivity and energy was refreshing, while his impact was clear as his confidence continues to soar, with another cameo in the third tier following just three days later at Morecambe.
A round of 32 Papa John’s Trophy tie against Aston Villa’s under-21s yielded just a second start for Burstow, and his first alongside the Addicks’ top scorer Jayden Stockley.
And the teenager maintained his remarkable record for Charlton in cup competitions, latching onto Albie Morgan’s perfectly weighted lofted pass over the Villans defence on 15 minutes before lashing a first-time volley beyond Oliwier Zych.
Blossoming Burstow
The 18-year-old’s displays have certainly not gone unnoticed among the Charlton hierarchy, with the forward now training with the first-team at the club’s Sparrows Lane training ground on merit.
“He is a great kid,” explained caretaker boss Jackson. “He is so confident I had no qualms [about bringing him on against Plymouth]. It was a big game to come on, a big crowd – there was quite a lot of weight on his shoulders. I was happy to fling him in because I think he can handle that.
“I’ve got confidence in him and he’s got confidence in himself. He is a good player. I knew Josh [Davison] had run his socks off and his race was run. I knew Mason would give us a little bit of energy at the top end of the pitch.
“I’m absolutely delighted for him. It is great for the young lads to get their debuts and he deserves it. He has been there training with us every day. He holds his own and doesn’t look out of place. He warrants his place.”
If he carries on in the manner he has started, Burstow’s future with Charlton will certainly be a bright one.
