Taylor Charters has signed a new one-year deal at Carlisle United - and now his focus will undoubtedly be on establishing himself in the first-team.

While the Maryport-born academy graduate has had some brief opportunities in the Cumbrians' side, it wasn't until a loan move to Gateshead last season that Charters enjoyed a sustained period of senior football.

So what will Carlisle have learned about the 20-year-old from his time at the International Stadium? We took a look at WyScout to find out:

Positional changes

News and Star: Taylor Charters (Photo: Barabara Abbott)Taylor Charters (Photo: Barabara Abbott)

Perhaps the most notable aspect of Charters' loan spell was his change in position.

Having been utilised largely as a midfielder during his time at Brunton Park, he began his time in the National League North playing in the same position - but was quickly transitioned to the left side of a back four.

And despite having to compete with a natural left-back in Matty Jacob, who was on loan at Gateshead from Hull City, Charters qucikly established himself in this position.

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Indeed, two-thirds of the games played by the 20-year-old during his loan spell came at left-back - with the rest seeing the youngster utilised as either a left winger or a central midfielder.

That level of versatility is a usual asset to have, and is something that will give Paul Simpson plenty of food for thought ahead of the new campaign.

Attacking threat

One standout statistic from Charters' 22 games with the Heed was his four-goal haul, which represents a solid games-per-goal ratio.

It's worth noting that only one of his goals came while playing left-back, with a strike against Blyth Spartans coming during an appearance in a more advanced left-sided role and his brace at Guiseley was netted from a central midfield berth.

But even given most of his time was spent playing in a more defensive role, Charters represented an attacking threat throughout his loan spell.

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The heat map below shows how the loanee contributed to his side's attacking output as well as performing his defensive duties:

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Charters was impressive when running with the ball, with over 70% of his attempted dribbles successful, and his passing accuracy of 75.3% is suggestive of player who can help his team exercise control in possession - something Simpson is keen to improve at Brunton Park moving forward.

He averaged closed to three deliveries into the box per game, and the academy product wasn't shy in taking a shot - particularly from distance.

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Of the five shots that found the target during his loan spell, four were goals. That's an impressive conversion rate.

Encouraging defensive data

For someone who is not a natural defender, there is sure to be work to be done on Charters' defensive game if that is where his long-term future lies.

But the data from his time in the sixth tier offers promise - and working alongside ex-Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson, now player-manager at Gateshead, will have helped in that regard.

The Carlisle youngster won 64.8% of all his defensive battles and was fairly dominant in the air too, winning 53.4% of aerial duels he was involved in.

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An average of 3.62 interceptions per game saw Charters disrupt the opposition play on a regular basis - and he managed to commit just six fouls during his entire loan spell.

That kind of data should give Simpson encouragement that a defensive role could be in the 20-year-old's future, should he choose to progress down that path.

Promising feedback

But it's not just about Charters' attributes on the field.

He's been earning rave reviews from Gateshead for his attitude off the field, with Williamson praising his character just weeks into his loan spell.

"Taylor's character and work ethic has been brilliant since he's been with us," said the Heed boss, speaking to the club's official website in February.

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"He's a young lad who has a willingness to work on his game and improve, which is what we expect from all the lads."

Such effusive praise will no doubt enthuse Simpson, and give him every faith that Charters has the character and desire to force his way into the Carlisle side on a regular basis. 

A big pre-season now awaits, as the youngster looks to build on this encouraging loan spell.

All data courtesy of WyScout S.p.a.