Daniel Farke has singled out Charlie Cresswell for praise after Leeds United’s 3-0 win over Watford today.
Farke was speaking in his post-match press conference in the wake of Leeds’ first victory of the season at Elland Road, where he felt obliged to praise Cresswell.
Cresswell was once again an unused substitute for Leeds after Liam Cooper was preferred to him at centre-back in the absence of Joe Rodon through suspension.
The 21-year-old was not even on the bench in the 0-0 draw at Hull City on Wednesday, in what will no doubt be a disappointing start to the season on a personal level for him.
After signing a new deal in the summer, there had been hope this would be his breakthrough season at Leeds, though he has not played a single minute in the league since the second game at Birmingham City.
Farke singles out Cresswell for praise after Leeds win
Farke, though, has come out publicly and praised Cresswell’s ‘top mentality’ in training, as he continues to push Rodon, Cooper and Pascal Struijk, who are currently ahead of him.
He said: “Cresswell – he make sure he trains with a top mentality and performance to keep the pressure higher in pascal, Joe or Liam because they know they cannot drop their levels because Charlie is waiting. Sing the praises of Pascal and Liam if I need to spotlight one player it would be Cresswell.
“Tough for him to accept he was not even in the squad on Wednesday. Commitment with being there, top mentality. This is more to be praised. Pleased we showed this depth in the squad. Charlie was singing with the lads in the dressing room, despite not playing.”
There is no doubt Cresswell will be frustrated at how his season has so far but it is a testament to him to hear that his attitude has remained intact.
He will get opportunities in what is an incredibly long 46-game campaign, though he may just have to be a little more patient than he had expected.
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