Leeds United youngster Charlie Cresswell has made a huge impression with former professionals, according to former Whites striker Noel Whelan.
The Lowdown: Cresswell’s breakthrough season
Marcelo Bielsa has had a shortage of centre-backs at times this season, with Diego Llorente, Robin Koch and Pascal Struijk all unavailable on occasions.
It has meant that Cresswell has been drafted into Leeds’ defence and the 18-year-old has made two appearances overall, playing 90 minutes in the 2-1 defeat at home to West Ham.
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The Latest: Whelan gives huge praise
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan was full of praise for Cresswell, claiming that some former professionals with whom the 46-year-old has worked have been left “staggered” by the teenager’s ability and potential. He said:
“There’s no ignoring him after that performance and how good he was.
“The applause from the fans, people inside the club, ex-professionals I work with, they were just staggered at how good he was on that day with everything he put on that field.
“He was immense, he was like a veteran on the day, rather than a young boy stepping in. Everything about his game I loved. The physicality and the way he dominated at times.”
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The Verdict: One for the future
For 18, Cresswell was such a confident presence in the West Ham game, making three clearances and winning one tackle, and he looks like a defender with a big future ahead of him.
For the time being, it is important that he is allowed to grow as a player at his own pace, rather than being thrown in regularly when he is too young.
There is no doubt that Cresswell looks like a possible future regular for Leeds, though, and he has shown that he can do a job already if required. Whelan’s praise certainly seems to be well-placed.
In other news, Phil Hay has provided a Leeds injury update. Read more here.
