Gary Rowett has suggested to Football League World that he has been really impressed by Charlie Cresswell in recent games, claiming that he has seen another side to the Leeds United loanee in the last few games.
It has been a turbulent season for Cresswell at the Den. He obviously started the season with an amazing display in their opening day win, scoring twice. However, holding down a spot in the side became more of a challenge in the months which followed.
There was speculation that Cresswell may be recalled by Leeds in January. However, he ended up staying put. And that has proved to be a blessing for the Lions, with the 20-year-old largely proving to be excellent.
Rowett praises recent Cresswell form
He did make a mistake recently. However, it does appear that Cresswell has turned a corner in the last few weeks. And with that, Rowett suggested that he has been really impressed by the young centre-back.
“The key for me is that I think he’s been outstanding. If you’re not playing well and you make those types of mistakes then it’s obviously a little bit harder to stay in the team,” he told FLW.
“For me, he’s been outstanding. The last two or three games, he’s shown a different side to his game. He’s shown a real calm authority and a consistency to his performances.
“I think I’ve said it all the way through, he’s going to be a top player but he’s not far off that now.”
There was not only speculation that Cresswell would return to Leeds in January, but there was even talk that he may be sold permanently. Reports from The Sun suggested that £4 million may be enough for an admirer to land him.
Those reports would have worried a lot of Leeds fans. It has appeared for some time that he is destined for the first-team fold sooner or later. And selling him would have been a real gamble.
It does appear that he is really now finding his feet in the Championship. And he will hope to take that next step next year and potentially feature more at Elland Road.
He has previously done well whenever he got a chance for the senior side. And he may well return with a lot of confidence after fighting back at Millwall.
Certainly, if he realises his potential, we could have a very special talent in our ranks.
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