Charlie Crew is preparing for his first season with the Leeds United first team as he looks to convince Daniel Farke in Germany that he can be considered an option in midfield.
The 18-year-old was on the bench a few times towards the end of last season and then made his debut for Wales alongside Ethan Ampadu. But he is yet to make his professional debut at club level for Leeds.
However, he is one of six young players that have flown to Germany alongside 21 senior players that also includes Brenden Aaronson, Max Wober, Jayden Bogle and Patrick Bamford as he continues his rehab.
Of those six however, Crew is closest to becoming a first-team regular. He will face competition from the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev and new signing Joe Rothwell who joined on loan from Bournemouth.
Crew’s first impressions of new Leeds signing Rothwell
Not much has been said about Rothwell. A player that impressed at play-off final rivals Southampton on loan last term, but was an unused sub against Leeds at Wembley after joining them on loan in January.
His signing went under the radar with reports only emerging an hour or two before his arrival was then announced. Against Harrogate, he showed he is a technical player, experienced but also accomplished.
Speaking to Leeds Live, youngster Crew explained how it is easy to see what kind of player Rothwell is straight away while also commenting on the bond he has with potential Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu.
“We’ve already got a close bond, me and Ethan, being Welsh. Ilia helped me settle in really quickly. Joe coming in, straight away you can see see the player he is, so that obviously helps you straight away.”
All of a sudden, Leeds squad is beginning to take shape
The constant stream of exits suggested Leeds had lots of work to do in the window. Of the squad that Farke had at his disposal last term, eight have now left including Connor Roberts and Jaidon Anthony.
Liam Cooper, Jamie Shackleton, Kris Klaesson, Charlie Cresswell, Archie Gray and Glen Kamara, too. But Alex Cairns replaces Klaesson, Jayden Bogle solves a lack of right-back, Rothwell adds midfield depth.
With Brenden Aaronson and Max Wober returning as if they are new signings, it immediately bolsters the side. Sprinkling a few youngsters in there and Leeds look pretty sorted ahead of the opener on August 10.
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