Under-the-Radar 002 - Charlie Webster

First learning his trade at the Pezzaz Street Soccer school, a young Charlie Webster joined Chelsea aged nine in 2013 and by 2020 featured in the Guardian Newspaper’s “Next Generation” list of young players with the hope of one day emerging from Premier League Academy sides.

It wasn’t quite to be, for a star teen who represented England at U16, 18, 19 & 20 levels, at one point linked with Borussia Dortmund, Webster joined Dutch club Heerenveen on loan for the 2023/24 campaign, making thirteen league appearances largely as substitute, netting his first senior goal in just his second Eredivisie match in a 3-2 defeat at Go Ahead Eagles, but getting sent off later in that same game.

Thereafter, Webster spent much of his time in the Netherlands on the substitutes bench and returned to Chelsea without making it pay, later released, he joined Burton Albion at the start of the 2024/25 campaign, and the player has hardly looked back since.

In his first League One season Webster played 32 times scoring 5 goals for the Brewers but was sent off twice, booked five times, the players Achilles heel looked to be his lack of discipline?

But last season Webster was booked just twice in 23 appearances scoring 6 goals with 3 assists, a scout close to matters at the Pirelli Stadium telling me “when he plays well, Burton play well” testament to the role he takes up within the team.

Quick Stats:

• DOB: 31 January 2004 (Kingston upon Thames)

• Height: 5ft9in (1.75m)

• Foot: R

• Position: Attacking Midfield

• Club: Burton Albion (since 2024)

• Previous: Chelsea (2013-24), Heerenveen (2023/24) loan

Attributes…

A lovely footballer who carries the ball forward from midfield, who strikes the ball sweetly with his curling right foot, an intelligent playmaker who operates either as a number eight, or number ten, Webster is a footballer central to how Burton Albion operates, and when opponents stop Webster, they generally are able to stop the Brewers too.

Webster has good take on ability and controls the ball with ease, he always looks for a forward pass and links up well with those willing to get forward, he is a danger to opponents from outside the box and has been known to strike a sensational ball, two goals last season against Mansfield Town helping Burton Albion to a 2-1 opening day win, both sweetly struck from the edge of the area, you won’t see a nicer pair of net bulgers at the level from open play.

How Does He Fit In?

Burton Manager Gary Bowyer likes to play a 3-4-1-2 system and Webster is central to that, whether he plays as an ‘8’ alongside a more defensive minded guard, like Kgaogelo Chauke, or if further ahead, as a ‘10’ with two in behind, to offer a bit more steel and resistance which allows him to free up his out of possession responsibility.

Webster for me is almost half an half 8/10 as a player he likes to start from deeper positions but his best work is in and around the opposition box. He does have some grit and steel (as proven with his track record of collecting cards) but has worked on his game to concentrate on first/foremost getting the ball, and making things happen, which when he does, Burton can look a very good side in possession.

Form & Future…

Last season, Webster missed almost four months with an ankle injury but ended the campaign netting two in six, now aged 22, he’s started pre-season in both the Brewers friendlies, a 45 minute cameo against Alfreton Town which ended 0-0 and the same again, playing the first half in a 3-0 home defeat by Leicester.

He’ll be looking for more minutes as Albion take on Birmingham tonight and Derby to come, but the bigger picture is readying himself for league action which opens up at home to Stevenage on August 15.

Expect a tough campaign ahead for Burton Albion, which can be eased slightly if Charlie Webster plays well. I feel a big season might get him a move back up the ladder, but beware, if the Brewers don’t avoid a dogfight, it could be a turbulent and testing time ahead.

theHEADscout.

I’m a sports DATA Analyst and PFSA associate scout with level two qualifications in talent identification and level one certificates in technical scouting & opposition analysis.