Jesse Marsch has told Friday’s press conference – as per Leeds Live – that Charlie Cresswell is now considered a first-team player, discussing as much in a meeting with Victor Orta. The Leeds star is “not afraid of anything”.
Cresswell, 19, made his first-team debut last season and has since played six times in the senior side this campaign. An England Under-21 international, Cresswell has huge potential but there are others ahead of him in the order.
Liam Cooper and Diego Llorente are probably first choice, while Pascal Struijk and Robin Koch provide cover – while also being able to play in central midfield. But Cresswell is certainly catching Marsch’s eye.
Speaking in Friday’s press conference ahead of Monday’s trip to Palace, Marsch gave his take on Cresswell. He said the young Leeds defender is now considered a first-team player, telling Orta such in a meeting.
“Consider him a first-team player. Discussed that in our scotuing meeting. Personality, he is not afraid of anything. Even the first session we had he was the loudest player on the pitch. Does not shy away. He needs to play.”
Marsch on Cresswell: Leeds star will struggle for game time at ER
Even if he is impressing in training and for the Under-23 side, Cresswell is going to struggle to get game time at Leeds. So perhaps, the defender needs to go out on loan – unless one of Struijk, Koch, Cooper or Llorente goes.
He is of the age and quality where a first-team chance is required. Maybe, Struijk and Koch need to be seen as central midfielders more than defenders by Marsch – to give the Cresswell the game time he needs.
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