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Gary Rowett wowed by 'Outstanding' Leeds United loanee Charlie Cresswell
Millwall boss Gary Rowett believes that Leeds United loanee Charlie Cresswell will become a “top player” in the future, and he is not far off from reaching that level.
The 20-year-old joined the Championship side on loan in the summer and has made 20 appearances for the club so far, scoring four goals. Rowett has hailed him as an “outstanding” defender.
Cresswell lost possession that allowed Burnley to earn a 1-1 draw against Millwall on Tuesday (21 February) in the Championship, and Rowett has challenged him to learn from the mistake.
“It’s like anything. You’ve got to learn from those situations. He’ll probably look back on it and probably not take the risk,” said Rowett to Football League World.
“The key for me is that I think he’s been outstanding. If you’re not playing well and you make those types of mistakes then it’s obviously a little bit harder to stay in the team.
“For me, he’s been outstanding. The last two or three games, he’s shown a different side to his game. He’s shown a real calm authority and a consistency to his performances.
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“I think I’ve said it all the way through, he’s going to be a top player but he’s not far off that now.”
Bright future
The youngster made his senior debut under Marcelo Bielsa, and he is seen as one of the fantastic young prospects at the club.
However, Jesse Marsch surprisingly was open to selling him permanently in the January transfer window. Coventry City wanted to sign him permanently but he turned down a move as he wanted to establish himself as a regular at Elland Road.
In fact, a deal was agreed but he changed his mind at the last moment [Football League World, 17 February]. Leeds did sign Diogo Monteiro in January but Cresswell can hope to make an impact now that Marsch has left.
The Whites have loads of options at the back. They have Robin Koch, Pascal Struijk, Max Wober and Liam Cooper, but Cresswell can take the position of Diego Llorente who is almost certain to leave Elland Road in the summer.
Llorente joined AS Roma on loan for the rest of the season, and they have the option to sign him permanently in the summer. It is really good to see that Rowett rates Cresswell highly, and let’s hope he can be a part of the senior side next season.
In other Leeds United news, the club are now leading the race to sign an in-demand young attacking talent from a European giant.