The Yorkshire Evening Post have reported that Charlie Cresswell as the “loudest” player on the pitch during Leeds United’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest despite only being 20 years of age – while Sam Byram was vocal, too.
Cresswell, 20, started for the first time since returning for pre-season. It comes after representing England’s U21 side, helping Lee Carsley’s men win the European Championships. He came on as a substitute in the Monaco loss.
On Thursday night, Daniel Farke threw him in the starting line-up against Nottingham Forest. Despite coming up against the powerful Taiwo Awoniyi, Liam Cooper and Cresswell were solid at the back. Illan Meslier had little to do.
A solid outing for Cresswell, who lasted the entire 90 minutes – Cooper being replaced by Pascal Struijk with about 20 minutes left to go. Meanwhile, free agent Byram continued to impress – despite being out of position on the left.
The Leeds academy product is training with Leeds and it is unclear if Daniel Farke will hand him a contract. Farke worked with Byram at Norwich – and he looked sharp on the left flank. The YEP report that both were very vocal.
“Cresswell’s voice was one of the loudest in the ground. The youngster was not shy in issuing orders, attempting to organise and cajole. Byram was also vocal, ensuring Cooper knew that Bamford was on for a ball over the top.”
Cresswell loudest player on pitch in Leeds win over Nottingham Forest
While it might be a surprise given his age, it will not come as a shock to those who watched Cresswell captain the 21’s at Leeds – wearing the armband as the second string won the second tier of PL2 football. He was excellent.
A full game under the belt and Cresswell looks as though the right side of central defence will be his to lose, at the moment. It is a stark contrast to January, when he was linked with a £4m exit. Byram is edging closer to a contract.
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