Paul Robinson wowed by ‘outstanding’ Charlie Cresswell as Leeds United lose to West Ham
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United.
Paul Robinson was mesmerised by Charlie Cresswell as the young defender made his Premier League debut for Leeds United on Friday night.
West Ham came from behind to beat the Whites at Elland Road with Michail Antonio grabbing a late goal.
However, 19-year-old Cresswell, who played in the absence of Pascal Struijk, Diego Llorente and Robin Koch, managed to impress Robinson by keeping Antonio quiet for large periods of the game.
“He’s been fantastic since he came in,” Robinson told MOT Leeds News.
“You know straight away what a top player he is because Bielsa doesn’t often throw young players to give them opportunities. He quite often changes his experienced players around in different positions, like we saw Kalvin Phillips play at centre-half against Fulham.
“ I thought that was an indication of what was to come at the weekend with the other centre-halves not being fit but it just shows you what high regard the manager holds Cresswell in.
“He was outstanding.
“Yes, Antonio scored the winner but the majority of the game, Cresswell kept him quiet. Outstanding.
“He’s a bit like an old-fashioned centre-half. He’ll head and kick things but he’s also got the cultured side to his game as well.”
Cresswell didn’t deserve to be on the losing side on Friday night after such a strong performance against West Ham.
According to stats by WhoScored, Cresswell won three aerial duels in the game, which was the third-highest out of outfield players on both teams after Liam Cooper [9] and Tomas Soucek [4].
He also made three interceptions and completed the only tackle he attempted.
Interestingly, no player on either side completed more passes than Cresswell throughout the 90 minutes as well [54].
In other Leeds United news, Watford are signing this player after he quit Elland Road.