All good teams are built on solid foundations at the back, the central defensive partnership is key to any successful side.

Jason Pearce has had his fair share of injury problems since arriving at The Valley in the summer of 2016, but is now showing his best form.

The 30-year-old is a warrior and a natural leader, and his leadership qualities will be vital if the Addicks embark on a play-off campaign.

Pearce picked up a knock in September which sidelined him until December. It seemed he came back too soon, and after just a couple of games, he was ruled out until February.

He was a little rusty when he first returned, but is now in imperious form. Pearce loves a battle, and is relishing his spell as skipper.

He made his 50th appearance in all competitions for Charlton at Portsmouth on Saturday. He has notched up a couple of goals, including the vital opener in the recent win at Shrewsbury.

‎The Addicks have balance at the heart of their defence, Pearce’s left-footedness complementing the right-sided Patrick Bauer.
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The 25-year-old German arrived at The Valley a year before Bauer, and has now made 92 appearances for Charlton, scoring 8 goals.

Bauer started his career at Stuttgart, before joining Portuguese side, Maritimo.

He has become a firm fans favourite since switching to The Valley three years ago.

Like Pearce, Bauer is a battler who puts his body on the line for the cause. The pair have formed a solid partnership, and Lee Bowyer will be relying on them to be the bedrock of the promotion push.