Charlie Cresswell spotted in Leeds United pre-season friendly after Milwall loan
Charlie Cresswell played for Leeds United in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Barnsley, according to LeedsLive.
The digital news platform reported (16 July) that Daniel Farke’s Leeds side beat their League One opposition emphatically with a 9-1 scoreline now being confirmed as accurate.
Cresswell’s appearance was the first time he had been seen in any of the club’s pre-season preparations.
He was allowed to return late to pre-season after competing with England at the European Under-21 Championship.
The 20-year-old started once at the tournament, that England triumphed at, during a 2-0 win over Germany in the group stages, featuring on the bench in every other fixture.
Optimism
The defender’s appearance against Barnsley suggests he might be in Daniel Farke’s plans for next season. After relegation from the Premier League, the club have struggled to keep hold of some of their stars with more likely to depart.
This could lead to Cresswell moving up the pecking order after he spent last season on loan with Millwall.
Farke might be thinking that the defender’s Championship experience could help the Whites next season as they look for an instant return to the Premier League.
Cresswell made 28 appearances in England’s second tier last season and scored on five occasions as the Lions made a push for promotion.
The Premier League and Championship are two very different prospects and any experience in the division will be vital if Leeds are to make a serious run at promotion.
Despite being linked away previously this summer, perhaps Cresswell’s future will be in West Yorkshire with Leeds after all.
In other Leeds United news, one first-team star is getting closer to making an exit.