Talal central to Curbishley's thinking

14 April 2012

Charlton 1 Blackburn 0

Alan Curbishley has been looking long and hard for someone to fill the gaping chasm created by Scott Parker's departure to Chelsea in January but not even he could have predicted that a solution would arrive in the shape of a Moroccan centre-back.

Talal El Karkouri stepped into the breach last night, winning tackles, controlling the midfield and heading the goal that gave Charlton victory over Blackburn.

Curbishley's side are up to seventh on the back of their best-ever start to a Premiership campaign but until the goal, their home ground was threatening to become a valley of tears. Charlton's passing was poor throughout and Blackburn were unfortunate not to leave with a point.

That will not matter much to El Karkouri, who after a quiet start is emerging as a key player in Curbishley's new-look team.

The 28-year-old was brought into the side at Birmingham last week to add some solidity to the midfield and, having played his part in an away draw and home victory, is sure to keep his place for Saturday's trip to Arsenal.

El Karkouri said: "Central midfield is not my best position but you have to respect the manager's decision. When Curbishley first saw me play in France I was playing at right-back against Lens, the next time I was in the midfield and the final time I was at centre-back. I prefer to play at centre-back but when you are a professional if the manager says you are a striker you have to do it.

"I can't decide if I will stay in midfield and Curbishley is the captain of the boat. Perhaps they need my strength and aggression because we're playing in England and not Spain, where you can keep the ball for five minutes. You have to be strong physically to play in England."

El Karkouri has all the credentials of a typical Curbishley player: experience, versatility and hundreds of games at centre-back. Cautious Curbs can never have enough defenders. The Morocco international turned his back on Champions League football with Paris Saint-Germain in the summer to complete a £1million move to Charlton and stands by his decision.

He said "English football is very different and as soon as you get the ball there's no time to think, you're under pressure straight away. In France when they see English games on TV they say, 'the English are crazy, they must eat something different, they are not normal!' I wanted to come here to experience that."

Last night's game was more likely to make the 26,193 crowd feel comatose than crazy but Charlton rode their luck to maintain their unbeaten home record.

Garry Flitcroft hit a post for Blackburn after seven minutes, had a shot cleared off the line by Herman Hreidarsson and the Iceland defender was fortunate not to concede a penalty when he appeared to block Brett Emerton's 73rd- minute drive with an outstretched arm.

The incident infuriated Blackburn boss Mark Hughes. He said: "My initial reaction was it was a clear-cut penalty. Having seen it again I have not changed my mind. The referee and his assistant were in a good position but whatever reason they have not given the decision.

"The referee is there to make decisions and he didn't make one that could have changed the game."

Curbishley said: "It's amazing that it's our best start to a Premiership season because we haven't really got going yet.

"It's my fault as well because sometimes you can take for granted some of things we've been missing, the team spirit and will to win. The penny has finally dropped."

Curbishley's only concern is a neck injury sustained by Francis Jeffers but he should be fit to face his old club Arsenal on Saturday.

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Talal central to Curbishley's thinking

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