Credit: Tung Manh Phan/Breaking Media/Imago

Josh Edwards

Fri 1 May 2026 7:40, UK

Alfie Creswell may have to wait longer for his chance at Leeds United if they pursue a deal for Jhon Solis.

Mainly due to the constant threat of relegation, which is still present ahead of the final four games, Daniel Farke has had very little breathing room to afford minutes to youth players.

With that said, there are several who have earned the right to stake a claim for their place, and Cresswell is right up there as the best.

The teenage midfielder has thrived in the Premier League 2, with his defensive numbers showcasing why he could be the perfect understudy to Ethan Ampadu in the near future.

However, with Solis linked with a move to Leeds, his chance to be that may take a hit.

How does Alfie Cresswell compare to Jhon Solis?

The most important thing to note is the difference in quality between the Championship and the Premier League 2, but Cresswell’s numbers are still impressive.

With 105 defensive contributions, Cresswell ranks among the top 1.8 per cent of midfielders in the Premier League 2, with an average of 2.04 tackles per game.

In comparison, Solis has managed 58 in the Championship, albeit in 500 fewer minutes, with an average of 1.84 tackles per game.

For interceptions, Solis ranks among the bottom 29.3 per cent of Championship midfielders, whereas Cresswell ranks among the top 33.9 per cent.

Not that it is his game, but Cresswell has also created four more chances than the Birmingham man, who again ranks among the bottom 8.6 per cent for that metric per 90.

Daniel Farke must show faith in Thorp Arch stars

Premier League clubs often fall into the trap of signing talent from elsewhere before looking to develop their own.

But for Leeds, they need to ensure they avoid that error, as seen with Archie Gray in the past.

Not only can it benefit them on the pitch, but it can also benefit them off of it in terms of future finances and the attraction to similar prospects.

Cresswell deserves his chance at Elland Road, and he should be asking that question before the Whites pursue a deal for a Championship midfielder who has done nothing special this season.