This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Lee Bowyer has been speaking about how much of a loss Josh Cullen is for Charlton Athletic, as reported by News Shopper.

What did he say?

Cullen has missed the Addicks’ last four games, having been forced off after 56 minutes in the 2-2 draw against Cardiff City.

Bowyer’s side has seriously struggled during that period, failing to pick up a single point from the 12 that were available.

Bowyer has spoken about how integral the Republic of Ireland international can be for the team and how much he is missed: “Josh Cullen, unreal, a massive loss, I was watching us against Derby last night, you don’t appreciate what he does until you watch it back and now he’s not there.

“He’ll be another month out, but I’m sure when we start getting players back we’ll turn the corner.”

Best of the decade: Quickfire Quiz on the last 10 years of Premier League football

A key player

Bowyer mentioned the 3-0 win against Derby and it is clear to see why he saw Cullen as a key part of that victory.

The 23-year-old was made Man of the Match by WhoScored with a rating of 8.4, completing all five of his tackles, making three key passes, an assist, two interceptions and a clearance.

That effectiveness has been replicated across the campaign, as in his 16 Championship games, making 1.9 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 1.4 key passes and 0.6 dribbles per game.

It is understandable that missing someone who has this type of impact with and without the ball has taken its toll on the team.

Bowyer will be looking forward to having the midfielder back, but must find a way for the midfield to function without him in the meantime.

In other news, Charlton should be concerned by the performance of their key man against Huddersfield Town.