“If they called me, I wouldn’t recommend Lloyd-Jones to play for his country in the slightest.”
There’s no question about Nathan Jones.
If Wales manager Craig Bellamy and assistant Andrew Crofts ask about his centre-back’s suitability for an international call-up, he will give them a clear message.
“Comfortably he’s good enough,” insists Wales manager Charlton. “Honestly, I have no hesitation in recommending him.”
He gave his strong support to Sky Sports just days after Wales’ World Cup dreams ended with a tough play-off defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This also comes as Lloyd is enjoying an excellent season in the Championship with Charlton.
The quality of his campaign is underlined by the fact that Charlton supporters voted for the great defender to be their club’s player of the month for the fifth consecutive month.
Lloyd Jones’ performance in this season’s championship
The 30-year-old has represented Wales and England in youth football and qualified for Wales through his father. “It would be a real honor to represent international football,” he told Sky Sports. But, understandably, his focus now is on securing Charlton’s place in the second tier.
The Joneses were instrumental in the club’s rise from League One last season and, despite some difficult times in their first season back at Championship level, the Addicks are well placed to gain a foothold in the division.
With seven games remaining, they sit in 18th place, nine points above the relegation zone.
“Staying awake is a big thing for us,” Lloyd said. “But I don’t want to build my career just to stay in the league. I don’t want to just participate.”
Charlton manager Nathan Jones praises his namesake’s performance
It is that ambition and drive that makes him such an important player for the manager. Nathan first worked with Lloyd when he signed for Luton Town in 2018. At the time, Lloyd was a young player finding his way in the game after leaving Liverpool.
Nathan was the leader the backline needed when they met again at Charlton in 2023.
“I love working with Lloyd,” says Nathan. “We signed Lloyd at Luton and he was not the player he is today.
“The talent and ability was there but the all-round package wasn’t there. Then when you came back[to work with him at Charlton]you saw a different maturity and it’s just grown.”
“He plays with confidence, he plays with the trust of the coach. We demand certain things from him and we don’t let him rest on his laurels. We expect big things from him and we are preparing him to his strengths. He has been great.”
Lloyd helped Charlton keep a club record 23 clean sheets in League One last season. Despite further development this term, the 6ft 3in defender is at the top of the Championship metrics for clearances and aerial duels won, highlighting his combative approach.
Lloyd Jones wins with a header – he has won more aerial duels than any other player in the Championship
For players getting their first real taste of a championship, these are eye-catching stats.
After Luton, he played in League One with Northampton Town and Cambridge United. But Lloyd is playing the best soccer of his career right now. And he credits much of his personal development to his current Charlton manager.
When asked about his relationship with Nathan, Lloyd said with a laugh: “If you want to kick some ass, he’ll do it.” “He’s good at complimenting me. I’d like to say a little more about the tough love aspect, but I think he’s great.
“When I signed him (at Luton) I wasn’t as crazy as I am now.
“I went to a winning team and didn’t play as well as I wanted to. My mentality was a little different then, but I think I love playing for him this time. I know I want to play well for him.”
“You do that for him sometimes when I’m a little tired in a game. I think a lot of the team feels that way. He’s played a big role in how my career has taken off over the last two or three years.”
Monday, April 6th 2:45pm
Kickoff at 3pm
“Yes, I always had inner confidence. I had some bad luck with injuries early in my career and I wasn’t an absolute angel either.
“But I think probably in the last four or five years I’ve realized what I want and that’s football. I love playing on Saturdays and getting three points.”
Charlton’s Friday to Monday schedule this weekend. Bristol City and Watford will face the challenge of catching up with Jones.
This combination of player and manager has been a boon for both players and Charlton. And perhaps in the future for Wales too…
