Gary Rowett was full of praise once again for Charlie Cresswell after the Leeds United loanee scored in Millwall’s win over Swansea City on Tuesday night, in comments reported by Southwark News.
Cresswell has silenced a lot of his doubters in recent weeks. He has been outstanding for the Lions for a little while, enjoying a lengthy run in the side after really struggling for minutes around the turn of the year.
His latest appearance saw Millwall consolidate their place in the Championship play-off places. And it was the 20-year-old who broke the deadlock.
Rowett praises Cresswell after Millwall win
After an incredible scramble inside the Swansea penalty area, Cresswell was there to capitalise finally when the ball went into a yard of space.
Remarkably, that is now his fifth goal of the campaign in the second tier. He also won six aerial duels and made four clearances, according to Whoscored.
And after the game, Rowett suggested that he was very pleased with the youngster’s display and recent form.
“I think he’s been excellent,” he said, as reported by Southwark News.
“To keep Hutchinson out of team when he’s back fit, he’s done it because he’s worked so hard.
“I spoke to Hutch the other day. I think he’s been a hugely important player for us as captain for the team and for the club, but sometimes you have to be fair to players. It’s not just about winning games, it’s about being fair to people.
“If they’re playing well, they deserve to stay in the team. That’s what’s keeping the shirt is all about. Cressy has done that.”
Defender sending a strong message to Leeds
Cresswell is definitely making a statement ahead of his return to Leeds in the summer. Certainly, there should be absolutely no way that the Whites consider letting him leave next season.
The youngster impressed whenever he got a chance for the first-team at Elland Road. And he is now making a real impact in the Championship – up against some very experienced strikers, too.
Incredibly, he is the player on the Leeds books with the second-highest number of league goals this season, behind Rodrigo.
Of course, Cresswell’s goalscoring form is not a reason to give him a chance in the Leeds first-team on its own. But the Whites have had barely anything come from those behind the forward line.
Only two players have scored four or more in the league. And Liam Cooper is the only centre-back with a goal this term.
That is probably partially down to the quality of delivery from set-pieces. But dead-ball situations is not an area anyone has shone in this season.
With that, Cresswell’s contribution cannot be overlooked.