Joe Roberts

Wed 26 July 2023 7:40, UK

Returning loanee Charlie Cresswell has revealed it is his “dream” to make it at Leeds United after his successful loan spell with Millwall last season.

Cresswell’s Millwall loan was productive, with the 20-year-old making 28 appearances at The Den and earning vital Championship experience that “calmed” him and made him a “different person” on and off the pitch.

As Leeds battle for promotion in the second division next season, Cresswell has explained his goals for himself and the club next season as he wishes to impress new manager Daniel Farke.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post (25 July), Cresswell said:  “It was just getting to grips with first-team football and that need to win every week and [how] it’s not just based on performances – getting the results week in week out and being able to deliver in front of lots and lots of people.

“I think that was the biggest experience for me because my ability was there. And it’s just me, just producing and showing on the stage.

“I just felt like I calmed down really, I felt like I wanted to impress so badly that I tried too hard [to begin with] so in the end, I just came to [the conclusion] myself and just said: ‘Right, you’re going to calm down and let my ability come to the surface’, and that’s what seemed to happen. And everything kind of just gradually showed, just kind of flowed, really.

“That’s my goal – obviously, I’m not gonna sit here and lie to you and say that’s not what I want to do, because that is my dream, ever since I was a little boy, I wanted to play for Leeds United.

“And hopefully this season I’ve got a chance to do so. It’s a big year for me personally in there. But it’s also a big year for the lads, you know, just been relegated from the Premier League and wanting to bounce straight back up.”

Motivated

Cresswell could end up being a surprise bonus for Leeds next season.

His loan spell was an overall success and began perfectly with two goals in a 2-0 win against Stoke on the opening day of the season. He earned regular starts and full 90s throughout the season but an eye socket injury saw him sidelined for a number of weeks during Millwall’s playoff push.

However, he rejoins Leeds determined. His dream to play for Leeds was fulfilled with five Premier League appearances in 2021/22, but perhaps to fully realise his dream he must become a regular influence.

It is unlikely he will become a starter this season, despite his Championship experience. The likes of new signing Ethan Ampadu will surely be in contention to start while captain Liam Cooper looks to remain in the backline under Farke.

But, he has earned himself some exciting stats that reflect his defensive quality and versatility which may pique Leeds fans’ interest and make them mark him for the future.

Defensively, Cresswell can boast 5.77 aerial duels won per 90 (99th percentile) and 1.51 blocks per 90 (86th percentile) showing him to be an aggressive and physical presence in the defence [FBRef].

However, his attacking stats and ability to influence movement make him a very desirable profile of player that Leeds could fit into their jigsaw if Farke backs him. He scores at a rate of 0.16 goals per 90 (99th percentile), makes 2.63 touches in the attacking penalty area (99th percentile) and receives 0.64 progressive passes per 90 (87th percentile) which shows his attacking instinct.

This could be a useful asset to Farke and would go a long way in achieving his footballing philosophy and facilitating progressive passing movements and bringing players into dangerous attacking positions.

While he is not quite the finished article and may not become a regular starter, he is showing the kind of promise that should excite Leeds fans while his dedication to the club will make it easy for fans to rally behind him.

In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has provided an update on the release clause of the departed loanee Brenden Aaronson.