Ben Parker has told LS11’s latest podcast on Wednesday evening that Leeds United have a “fantastic” 16-year-old talent in the form of Charlie Crew – who is currently impressing with Wales Under-17’s at the Euros in Hungary.
Despite still only being 16, Crew has enjoyed a wonderful season. A holding midfielder, or a central midfielder, he started the season as a regular for the 18’s. But as the season grew older, he broke into the reserves at Leeds.
Incredible for a player that is still so young. He featured in all of the 21’s last six Premier League 2 matches, and then in the play-offs – he came on in the semi-final win over Aston Villa. He was not involved in the final against Forest.
That might have been because he was jetting off to represent Wales in Hungary. Wales have been knocked out, losing two of their three games 3-0 against Ireland and hosts Hungary. They finished with a 3-0 win over Poland.
Ball-playing midfielder Crew has featured for every minute in all three of those games, clocking up 90 minutes three times in the space of six days. Ex-Leeds defender Parker is excited at the prospect of Crew, praising his displays.
“Charlie Crew has been playing for the Welsh U17’s in the Euros. He’s standing out, he is a fantastic talent is Charlie. Good kid, he’s lively around the place but he’s been doing some impressive performances out there for the Welsh.”
Ben Parker: Leeds have a fantastic talent in 16-year-old Charlie Crew
All the hype in the 21’s is about Archie Gray. Of course, Darko Gyabi, Sonny Perkins, Kris Moore, Diogo Monteiro and Mateo Joseph all have a chance of breaking into the senior side. But at 16, Crew has more of a chance than most.
Especially, if he is already in the 21’s – and, boasting 14 Wales U17 caps. Crew is a serious talent and if the senior side are relegated, a load of 21’s could be promoted, and that could give Crew the platform to shine next season.
