Tyler Bindon is making the most of his international break, with the on-loan Charlton Athletic defender helping New Zealand reach the final of the Kirin Cup in Yokohama, Japan.
All Whites through on penalties
The 21-year-old centre-back stepped up to convert the opening spot-kick as the All Whites beat Panama 5-3 in a shootout after the two sides had played out a 1-1 draw in normal time. The result follows an equally encouraging outing for Bindon just days earlier, when he featured in a 3-0 friendly win over China on Sunday, during which he also found the net.
New Zealand will face the winners of the tie between Japan and Ecuador in the final on Monday, 5 October, giving Bindon the prospect of silverware to add to what has already been a fruitful international window.
A settled start at The Valley
Bindon joined the Addicks on a season-long loan from Nottingham Forest in August, and has wasted little time establishing himself. According to BBC Sport, the defender has already made five appearances for the Championship club since arriving in south-east London, suggesting he has quickly won the trust of the coaching staff.
The loan arrangement gives Bindon consistent senior minutes in the second tier, the sort of regular championship-level football that is difficult to come by at a club competing at a higher level. For Charlton, the deal represents an opportunity to add quality defensive cover, with the New Zealand international bringing both experience, he has 30 senior caps to his name, and the kind of physical development that comes from regular international exposure.
What it means for Charlton
Charlton have had a mixed start to the Championship campaign, and the form of their defensive unit will be under scrutiny as the season develops. Bindon's performances on the international stage, scoring in back-to-back games and holding his nerve from twelve yards, will do nothing to dampen confidence that the loan move was a sound piece of business.
With the international break drawing to a close, attention will quickly shift back to the Championship, where the Addicks will be looking to build momentum after a difficult run of results. Bindon, assuming he returns from Japan without any fitness concerns, is expected to slot straight back into contention at The Valley.
For a 21-year-old accumulating senior caps at international level while holding down a regular berth in the second tier, the signs are encouraging. How Charlton and Nottingham Forest manage his development across the rest of the season will be worth watching.
Frequently asked
- Who is Tyler Bindon?
- Tyler Bindon is a 21-year-old New Zealand international centre-back who joined Charlton Athletic on a season-long loan from Nottingham Forest in August. He has 30 senior caps for the All Whites.
- How many games has Bindon played for Charlton?
- According to BBC Sport, Bindon had made five appearances for Charlton Athletic since joining on loan at the start of the season.
- What is the Kirin Cup?
- The Kirin Cup is an international football tournament hosted in Japan. New Zealand reached the final after beating Panama 5-3 on penalties, with Bindon scoring the opening spot-kick.