Leeds United employee shares ‘massive’ Charlie Cresswell prediction after confirmed news
Noel Whelan has backed Charlie Cresswell to stake a claim for a place in the Leeds United first-team next season after his latest England Under-21 call-up.
The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the “highly-regarded” 19-year-old is now at a crucial stage for his future in the Premier League.
Cresswell is part of Lee Carsley’s latest England Under-21 squad – with the Young Lions facing Czech Republic, Kosovo, Albania and Slovenia in the month of June.
The centre-back made five Premier League appearances during the 2021-22 campaign as Leeds United narrowly avoided relegation to the Championship.
Whites boss Jesse Marsch identified Cresswell as one of the youngsters who has “caught the eye” following his arrival in March – admitting he was impressed with his work rate.
When asked if Marsch will be casting an even closer eye over the defender during pre-season, Whelan told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge: “Definitely.
“A lot of fans are wondering why he hasn’t already been given a bigger opportunity in the first team.
“There’s no doubt that he deserves that chance. We’ve already seen the talent he possesses, stepping into the shoes of more senior players.
“He’s not played any real game time this season. However, he’s still holding down that spot in the England Under-21 set-up. That just shows how impressive and highly regarded he is.
“He’ll step up and play more next season. He’s at that massively important point in his career now. He needs to be really putting the pressure on the first-teamers.”
Leeds United were forced to lean on their impressive youth system following a number of key injuries this term.
The Whites handed eight league debuts to teenagers during the tricky campaign.
In other news, Leeds United issued stark warning after what ex-manager saw – “it’s very poor”.