Charlton Athletic have struck gold with Nathan Jones transfer favourite - Preston clash can reaffirm that | OneFootball

The Addicks signed the former Luton Town man from Southampton on deadline day.

Charlton Athletic struck gold with the deadline day loan signing of James Bree from fellow Championship side Southampton.

The Addicks brought in several new players during the summer as Nathan Jones looked to strengthen his squad that won promotion from League One via the play-offs last season.

Arguably the only disappointment of the transfer window for Charlton was losing Thierry Small to Preston North End at the end of his contract, so finding a replacement for the exciting 21-year-old was no doubt a priority in SE7.

Jones' decision to utilise the left-footed Small on the right-hand side midway through last season was a key factor in Charlton finding the kind of form that saw them surge up the League One table and ultimately win promotion to the Championship, so it was seemingly a real blow when he opted to swap The Valley for Deepdale in June.

Charlton signed winger Rob Apter from Blackpool for a fee worth more than £2 million the following month, and he started each of the Addicks opening five league games in a similar role to the one Small occupied last season, before he was replaced by new signing James Bree for the away win at Sheffield United in September.

Bree is undoubtedly a far more naturally defensive-minded player than Apter, and while the right wing-back in Jones' system has a real license to get forward in possession, that makes him a more suitable option in the position that Small made his own last season.

The 27-year-old has made an unbelievable start to life in South East London under Jones, who previously signed him at both Luton Town and Southampton, so any concerns over whether the club would be able to suitably replace Small have been put to one side.

James Bree is thriving at Charlton Athletic

Bree made his Charlton debut from the bench during the 1-1 draw against rivals Millwall last month, before making his first start for the club at Bramall Lane a week later.

The wing-back showed real quality to assist Tanto Olaofe's last-minute winner in front of the away end, and his performance saw him voted as Player of the Match by the supporters via X.

His second start for the club came in the 3-0 win over Blackburn Rovers at The Valley this past weekend, and his technical ability was once again on show as his deep free-kick found the head of Macaulay Gillesphey to open the scoring, before he rounded off the victory himself with a well-taken first-time finish in front of the Covered End in stoppage time.

That performance saw Bree deservedly named in the EFL Team of the Week.

As if three goal contributions in two starts for Charlton wasn't enough, Bree fired home an outstanding strike to give the Addicks the lead in their 1-1 draw against Derby County at Pride Park on Tuesday night.

Bree currently has the highest average match rating out of every player in the Championship so far this season, as per FotMob, and Nathan Jones made it clear that he is delighted with his impact after the Welshman saw his side pick up a point at Derby, as per The News Shopper.

"The goal is a wonderful goal," Jones said.

"The approach and the build-up, and the finish matched the build-up.

"It's a great pick-out, but it's a difficult chance because it's bouncing on the volley.

"It's just the technique. The technician he is, he can do that and, as I said, it was wonderful."

Charlton face Preston at Deepdale on Saturday as they look to make it five games unbeaten in the second tier, and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top as Bree and former Addick, Small, come up against each other.

Thierry Small will want to show Charlton Athletic what they are missing

Thierry Small would need to have done very well to replicate what Bree has done so far for Charlton during the early weeks of his career at Preston, but the promising young wide man has certainly made a positive impact in Lancashire.

The 21-year-old opened his account for the Lilywhites with a well-taken right-footed effort as Paul Heckingbottom's side drew 2-2 away at Hull City on Tuesday night, meaning he will go into the game against his former club full of confidence.

Small is someone who plays with his heart on his sleeve, so he will no doubt be keen to show Charlton what they are missing on Saturday, while the Addicks will hope that Bree can continue his fine form and help them further add to their points tally going into the international break.