Leeds United: Daniel Farke must give Charlie Cresswell his chance amid Ethan Ampadu news
Charlie Cresswell could be the perfect option for Daniel Farke to start for Leeds United versus Sunderland on Tuesday (9 April) with Ethan Ampadu struggling with illness.
A 2-1 defeat last time out at Coventry City (6 April) was the first Championship loss of the calendar year for the Whites and a disappointment in a bunched-up promotion race.
The news that Ampadu is set to miss out against the Black Cats at Elland Road was a misery compiler as he has been a huge part of Leeds’ success this campaign.
There is now a question as to who can come in to replace him should he fail to make it against Sunderland.
Should Charlie Cresswell replace Ethan Ampadu for Leeds United?
After a superb loan spell at Millwall last season, it has been a quiet campaign for England Under-21 international Cresswell.
According to FotMob, Cresswell has managed just one start and four substitute appearances this season, accruing just 135 Championship minutes.
This is a far cry from last campaign where he was a mainstay at The Den as he made 30 appearances and scored four goals.
In the 1-0 defeat earlier in the season away to Birmingham City, Cresswell played his only full 90 minutes of the season.
He was able to show what he is about with an 87% pass accuracy across 84 passes and 95 touches of the ball. He was also positive with the ball as he made three passes into the final third [FotMob].
Add to this an excellent defensive showing with 100% tackle success, seven recoveries, four clearances and eight duels won, it was an all-action performance.
With Ampadu missing there will be some acclimatising for the Whites due to the Welshman’s importance. Despite this, Cresswell could still represent a useful option at the back.
Liam Cooper was afforded an opportunity in the 2-2 draw against Watford on March 29 but failed to impress and Pascal Struijk remains out injured.
It all points towards Cresswell being afford a rare opportunity and it is one he needs to be fully prepared for given the importance of every fixture for Leeds between now and the end of the season.
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