Daniel Kanu had his breakout season in 2023/24.
He scored two in his first 4 video games for Charlton in Sky Wager League One, then went on mortgage to Southend – the place he scored 4 objectives in a 5-0 win over Solihull Moors on his full debut – and, lower than a month later, made his senior bow for Sierra Leone in a World Cup qualifier in opposition to Egypt and Mohamed Salah.
The ahead returned to The Valley in November 2023, after the season’s conclusion, was named the membership’s Younger Participant of the Yr for the second time, with six objectives in 30 league appearances.
“He is such a great kid. His work-rate and what he does – truly, truly wonderful,” was Addicks boss Nathan Jones’ evaluation.
Daniel Kanu has been on Charlton’s books for over a decade
Ankle ligament accidents, sadly, restricted him to solely 5 league begins in 2024/25, but whereas there may be frustration, Kanu says being a part of the – finally profitable – push for promotion was “life-changing”.
And never simply in the way in which of absorbing the dear expertise that got here with it. A mortgage transfer to Walsall final summer season adopted.
“Walsall had been keen on me for a while and spoke to me quite early in pre-season to express their interest. I had a few meetings and the meetings I had were very, very good,” the 21-year-old explains.
“They highlighted exactly where they wanted me playing and they highlighted my strengths and how they’d help me grow as a player, which was really important. That really attracted me and it attracted my parents and all those around me.
“I felt the belief earlier than I even mentioned sure to coming to the membership. That is simply how he [Mat Sadler] and Darren Byfield got here throughout. They had been very eager to work with me and assist me develop as a participant. They understood the sort of participant I’m and the way nicely I might slot in to the staff.”
The 21-year-old has scored 16 objectives in 32 appearances for the Saddlers thus far this time period
Within the Midlands, Kanu has proven what he’s really able to. His present return stands at 16 objectives and three assists in 32 appearances in all competitions.
This, he says, is his “announcement year”.
“I feel like this is the first time I’ve been able to show all areas of my game and the improvements that have been made in all areas of my game. I’ve been really able to marry up a lot of things that I’ve been working on since I was 18, 19.
“I am grateful I trusted them [Sadler and Byfield] as now we’re seeing quite a lot of fruit. I wish to carry on giving again to them as a result of they confirmed quite a lot of religion and quite a lot of belief in me actually, actually early. Every part they mentioned was going to occur has occurred, actually.
“They’ve helped me improve as a person, as a player and I’ve gained a lot of experience, played a lot of minutes and I’ve been able to give back to them with a few goals.
“I set out to get 10 before Christmas, 10 after Christmas and I got 11 before Christmas. That was what I was aiming for and to be where I am now in mid-February is insane! So, yes, I have exceeded my own goals – we’re going to have to review them again and come up with something that will give me an extra challenge.”
With the way in which he repeatedly brings up studying and enchancment, it’s apparent Kanu is attempting to get as a lot out of this expertise as he probably can.
The chance to work with a raft of skilled gamers within the Saddlers squad has definitely helped.
“Every time a game finishes, Jamille Matt is always the first one that comes up to me and says: ‘Daniel, maybe you could have done this or that. This was good, but…’.
“Albert Adomah has been very encouraging and speaks to me rather a lot. I am up in opposition to Aden Flint most days in coaching and that is not straightforward! And Kemar Roofe – when he was right here – was very, very useful.
Kanu says Jamille Matt is the primary to supply recommendation after video games
“I’ve been able to take what they’ve said and try and apply it to myself in the right way. I know if someone shouts at me, they’re just trying to encourage me. I’m just taking these things on board. I’m happy to take any criticism because it’s all about making myself a better player.
“If I can go to mattress saying: ‘I learnt this at present and that is going to assist me be higher tomorrow’, then that is what issues, particularly at my age.”
He knows he will be a much better player as a result.
“I spoke with a number of the coaches just lately and we had been reflecting on the quantity I improved between August and January – and the very fact I’ve now one other two months to enhance once more is wonderful.
“The beauty of it is that I get to work on the training ground and then get to test things on a matchday and see if they work and if they are things I should be doing or knowing when to do them.”
Despite Kanu’s objectives, Walsall – who had been prime from late September to simply after Christmas – are at risk of lacking out on promotion for the second season in succession.
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Highlights of the Sky Wager League Two match between Walsall and MK Dons.
Monday’s house defeat to MK Dons prolonged their winless run to seven and, since December 29, it’s now one league win in 9. The hole to the play-off locations stands at three factors, regarding, however not at all insurmountable.
A win in Saturday’s sport in opposition to Shrewsbury – which is reside on Sky Sports activities+ at 12.30pm – could be enormous.
What must occur for the Saddlers to get proper again into the play-off combine?
“Honestly, I just think it’s just staying connected,” says Kanu.
“On the finish of the day, you are going to have dangerous patches, and I say that with the little expertise I’ve of final season after I was at Charlton the place there was a interval the place it felt prefer it was doom and gloom. You get one outcome after which earlier than you already know it, the entire season adjustments like that.
“I feel like the most important thing for us is to just not lose heart – and we won’t lose heart.
“One other fantastic factor I’ve loved is being round such good folks that love soccer the way in which I really like soccer and love working onerous the way in which I really like working onerous. When you might have that form of group you already know the outcome you need is simply across the nook.
“We’re not going to lose faith or lose heart. We’re just going to continue doing what we’ve been doing. That’s already got us to where we are because we’re in a great position to do something this season. It’s just about staying connected in everything that we do.”
If that is Kanu’s announcement yr, the message is coming by way of loud and clear.
Watch the Sky Wager League Two match between Shrewsbury vs Walsall reside on Sky Sports activities+ on Saturday; kick-off 12.30pm.
