Lee Bowyer thinks Krystian Bielik’s preferred position at centre back is “too easy” for him – and has challenged the defender to master the holding midfield role.

The Arsenal loanee picked out Mark Marshall for Charlton’s second goal in the win over AFC Wimbledon as he delivered a standout performance.

He would drop into defence on occasion following Naby Sarr’s straight red 56 seconds in but impressed in a position Bowyer believes Bielik is becoming more comfortable in.

But there are habits the Addicks boss also wants him to cut out.

READ: Player ratings from Charlton's win against AFC Wimbledon

Bowyer said: “Krystian is getting used to playing in that position now, I'd say, but at times he still needs to play one and two-touch.

“He takes too many touches - Cruyff turns on the halfway line with three players around him, doesn't need to do that.”

When asked about the Poland international’s best position, he added: “I can see that, I can see why he says that, but wouldn't you rather be better in both positions so he's versatile?

“Playing centre half I think is too easy for him. I think he reads the game very well, he's very, very comfortable in possession, but he gives so much more - I think - playing in front of the back four because of his physicality and protection, you know?

“He's doing that side and plays so, for me, I like him sitting in front of the back four. Don't get me wrong, he's a great centre half as well, so why not improve? Why not be a great centre half and be a great midfielder?”

READ: Charlton striker 'failed fitness test' before scoring against former club AFC Wimbledon

Bielik’s parent club Arsenal may be tempted to recall him from the current loan spell in January, with Rob Holding being ruled out for the next eight or nine months.

Captain Laurent Koscielny has return from his absence, however, boss Unai Emery only has three fit centre halves at his disposal.

It has prompted rumours of Bielik being recalled next month in a bid to shore up their defence as they continue their top four Premier League push.

Although Bowyer admits all the clubs their loanees are from could recall them in January, he’s unconvinced they will go back so soon.

He added: “All the clubs now they have a clause in there that, if they want to call them back, they can. But, again, why would you call him back and play him in under-23s football when he can be out there playing against men and learning? Because that's what he's doing.

“I don't know if you noticed but he doesn't really take more than three touches at the moment and that's what he needs to learn [to cut out], because if you go and do that in the Premiership you won't get away with it.

“I'd like to think they'd give us a bit of warning if that were the case, but no I'm confident that all the loanees are probably staying.”