Millwall goalkeeper George Long was seriously impressed by the display of Charlie Cresswell as the Leeds United loanee helped the Lions get back to winning ways against Reading on Saturday – in comments by South London Press.
Cresswell has turned a corner in the last couple of months. Certainly, it seems a long, long time ago that there was speculation that he may be on the move away from the Den in the January transfer window.
He has enjoyed a run in the side for Gary Rowett’s side. And he helped Millwall claim a 1-0 win over the Royals at the Madejski Stadium this past weekend.
Long praises Cresswell after Millwall win
It certainly does not take long to get a sense of how the game played out. Clips were doing the rounds on social media following the game of Andy Carroll and Cresswell battling over a number of aerial challenges.
And Whoscored backs that up. There were 17 aerial duels contested during Leeds’ 2-2 draw with Brighton on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Cresswell won 10 on his own for Millwall. The only player to win more was Carroll, who managed a staggering 18.
And Long has lauded the performance of the centre-back, as well as his improvement as his loan spell has gone on.
“Cressy was outstanding today,” he said, as reported by South London Press. “For a young lad who is coming up against an experienced pro like Andy Carroll, he dealt with him incredibly well. He’s won his fair share of headers, didn’t let Carroll get the best of him and that was a big part of what they wanted to do today.
“He’s a young lad learning his trade and to do that at Championship level is credit to him.
“Like any young player when you go out on loan you are going to make mistakes. You are sort of learning on the job and trying to get things right and figure out yourself how to play. Cressy has had his ups and downs this season but he’s not let it get to him.”
Centre-back pushing for chance at Leeds
Cresswell is probably one of the players whose future will only be decided once we learn what division Leeds are in next year.
Certainly, if we are relegated, Cresswell should surely be one of the players the Whites build their new team around.
But he is also knocking on the door even if we stay up. Max Wober and Robin Koch have formed a superb partnership. And Pascal Struijk should still have a lot of potential.
But there is a place for Cresswell in the pecking order. His development looks to be back on track. And he is definitely sending a message ahead of his return to Elland Road.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
