Ben Reeves on headed goals and his deeper midfield role

Ben Reeves took his tally of Charlton goals to 11 in all competitions on Tuesday night with his header in the win over Burton Albion. 

The midfielder got onto the end of Lyle Taylor’s fizzing cross to net the winner and afterwards he joked that he felt under pressure to bury the header.

He said: “The defender gave me a yard or two of space and he didn’t go for it, so I had a good view of it [the cross] all the way through and obviously I’ve got a big forehead as well!”

When asked about scoring with his head, Reeves confessed it was a relatively new experience for him.

He said: “I’d never scored with my head before I came to Charlton and now I’ve got three. I used to score most of my goals from outside the box and it seems to have changed now but as long as my goals keep helping the team, that’s the main thing.

“I’m playing a lot deeper now, it’s a new position for me and obviously I was used to playing as a 10 and now under Lee Bowyer I’m playing central midfield.” 

Reeves admits the role brings with it new challenges but that he is more than happy to play wherever he is needed. 

He said: “A lot of the time, I find myself protecting the back four, which is new to me, so I’m doing a lot more running than what I used to do but I’m happy to do whatever I can to help the team and if it means getting a header or whatever then it’s brilliant.”

Reeves is out of contract at the end of the season but he is fully focused on his football for the time being. 

He said: “I’ve just got to work hard and do my best for the team. That’s all I’m trying to do at the moment and my aim is for us to get promoted. That’s what I want and what I want for Charlton as well.

“I’m lucky to be here and I’m lucky to play for this club in this stadium and hopefully that continues. I’m quite relaxed about the situation.”

Tickets for Charlton's next home game against Bradford City on Saturday, March 30th are on sale and can be purchased online by clicking here.

Article by Brandon Smith

Read Time: 2 mins