Why Charlton should snap up Kaiserslautern's US striker Terrence Boyd

To begin with, German-born American striker Terrence Boyd bears a striking resemblance to Charlton centre-forward Jayden Stockley. And not just for their size or muscular physique.. In fact, both are extremely strong and 6ft1 tall. And they are both journeymen with nomadic careers behind them. Stockley has played for FOURTEEN clubs while his Kaiserslautern counterpart has been on EIGHT clubs’ books already.

This may point to inconsistency, a failure to settle down and make the most of an opportunity. But some players develop later than others. Such as in Boyd’s case.

So why should Charlton go for a similar player to one they already have? Just like Stockley, Kaiserslautern’s late bloomer has a knack for spendidly timing his runs and meeting crosses. Yet just like the ex-Preston North End player, he doesn’t always finish his chances off. But in contrast, the ex-Toronto FC frontman loves to come deep and link up play while the Englishman prefers to wait for the ball in the box. Boyd also doesn’t mind putting the boot in and helping out defensively if his teammates need a hand. At Charlton he would be the perfect replacement for Stockley but at the same time provide healthy competition for the at-times complacent Englishman. And with 46 games to play, Charlton could do with a reliable striker who can both smash it and bend it in front of goal. No matter if from the start or off the bench.

With eight goals in only fifteen league games, Boyd was a major reason why die Roten Teufeln sealed promotion back to the second Bundesliga after four seasons.

He would be a powerful weapon in Charlton’s attacking armoury as the Addicks look to return to the Championship at the third time of asking.

In the season opener against Hannover 96 last week, Boyd showed what he is all about. He intercepted an underhit pass from Julian Borner to set up Mike Wunderlich.

In the last two home game he displayed a willingness to close defenders down when in possession. This would help Charlton trio Scott Fraser, George Dobson and Albie Morgan when their legs begin to tire and also offer a man more in the build-up play after regaining possession.

The bustling striker caused Hannover 96 all sorts of problems two weeks ago thanks to his physical presence in and around the box. And against Freiburg pair Matthias Ginter and Philipp Lienhart in the DFB Pokal first round on Sunday, he showed that he can hold his own against Bundesliga players, demonstrating an ability to raise his game when the level increases.

Boyd may not be the most talented or refined player in front of goal but can score at anytime if the service is on-the-money. He loves combining with his teammates and is a ‘hidden’ midfielder who loves to do the dirty work and draws smart fouls at important moments of the game when the opponents are on the front foot. Against Freiburg in the German Cup he forced Lienhart to pull him down at a critical moment of the game. By doing so, he helped take the sting out of their game and slow it down to Kaiserslautern’s own pace.

Besides, Boyd is difficult to knock off the ball and when he catches an opponent in possession he immediately picks the right pass to offer it to a better positioned teammate before he tries a run in behind.

But in the first round of the DFB Pokal against the Breisgauer he could and should have done better in the box, missing four times in the space of four four minutes.

Two of those clear-cut. First he failed to steer his header on target from Kenny Prince Redondo’s cross. And less than a minute later, he blasted a free shot over despite being left in acres of space.

He should also have done better when he sent a low effort into the arms of keeper Mark Flekken after cutting inside Ginter.

In front of goal he isn’t the most clinical but today he was up against Bundesliga and Europa League players. And needless to say, his movement was excellent, his game understanding too. His end product less but he would do the job in a scrappy division like League One and manage at least 15 goals.

Some of the most famous Kaiserslautern players who upped sticks and headed to England delivered the goods. Robin Koch and Matheusz Klich were undoubtedly important players under Marcello Bielsa at Leeds United.

And the Bremen-born American would also do a decent job across the channel as his seasoned GPS would represent an important tool in Charlton's promotion mission.

Because if you can do it once you can do it twice.