Daniel Farke to make Charlie Crew debut decision ahead of Leeds United v Middlesbrough
Daniel Farke could hand Charlie Crew his full Leeds United debut when they face Middlesbrough in the EFL Cup on Wednesday (14 August), Paul Robinson has said.
The 18-year-old has yet to make his first-team debut for the Whites but was involved in the matchday squad as Leeds drew 3-3 with Portsmouth on the opening day of the Championship season.
Leeds have not made it past the Fourth Round since the 2016/17 campaign, with Robinson calling for Farke to take the competition more seriously, while also suggesting that Crew could be given the nod.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said: “He could be given an opportunity but I think the manager will want to get into winning ways. The last thing you want is to draw at home to Portsmouth and then lose in the EFL Cup to Middlesbrough.
“I hope he goes strong. Are Leeds going to win the competition? You wouldn’t think so, looking at the Premier League teams that come in in the next round. But it can be used to build momentum.
“There are no excuses for Farke not playing a very strong squad. Managers take this competition far too lightly at times.
“Saying that, Crew could get his debut. The manager will change it up a little bit, but looking at the squad, he hasn’t got too many options.”
Charlie Crew to be handed Leeds United debut v Middlesbrough?
Fans will certainly be hoping the above is true, with Crew looking like the next big talent to emerge from Thorp Arch.
Farke has been rather restricted when it comes to throwing younger players in the starting lineup since his arrival, but Archie Gray has proven the benefits of doing so already.
While Crew has not played a senior game for the Whites yet, he has won his first international cap for Wales, having come on as a substitute in a 0-0 friendly draw against Gibraltar in June.
Of course, many fans will expect to see the same midfield partnership of Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu, especially the latter of the two after he started 46 league matches last season.
However, Farke is extremely limited when it comes to options in the middle of the park, with Gray and Glen Kamara leaving Elland Road this summer, so it could be a sensible idea to bring Crew up to speed in case of injuries.
In other Leeds United news, Liverpool have made a decision on Bobby Clark in a new transfer update.
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