Sometimes you look at a player, and they just have something, something special. That little bit of star quality, a good footballing brain, or simply just someone who would put his body on the line if it helped the cause.
The motto emblazoned around Elland Road reads “side before self, every time” The mantra of an ultimate team player. These were the words of the late, great Billy Bremner. A former player, manager and captain of the great Leeds side under Don Revie.
Now Leeds have another player on their hands that looks to have the same characteristics, someone who isn’t afraid to put his body on the line. A no nonsense young defender, who looks every bit of a player who would break himself in two for Leeds United.
Charlie Cresswell has not played many minutes for the whites, but he has looked comfortable at the back when he has featured. Good solid performances against West Ham and Wolves in recent times have given Leeds fans a taste of what he is all about. He has great attributes to flourish in the Premier League. He is big, physical and mobile, and is still only 19 years of age.
The son of former Leeds forward Richard Cresswell, signed his first professional contract with the Yorkshire club in 2019, having been there since the age of 11, and he made his debut in an EFL cup game against Hull City in September 2020. He has heavily featured in the U23’s and captained the side to a Premier League 2 division title, rising through the ranks and making his Premier League debut against West Ham in September 2021. On 27th August 2021 he was called up for the England U21’s and made his debut as a substitute in the 3-1 win over the Czech Republic in November 2021.
Many Leeds fans would like to see Cresswell given a run in the side and it is easy to see why. He casts an imposing figure and looks like a real prospect. So far though, he has been limited to only a handful of appearances, and it will be interesting to see how, and if, Jesse Marsch will utilise him this season.
One final thing to remember, as mentioned before. He is still only 19 years of age and after showing how much of a leader he is in the youth team, could he step up and eventually be the future captain of the senior squad?