Michael Bridges has suggested why he was so impressed by Charlie Crew when the Leeds United youngster came on during the latter stages of the final pre-season friendly against Valencia.
Leeds ended their pre-season campaign with a really impressive performance against Los Che at Elland Road, with goals from Mateo Joseph and Georginio Rutter setting Daniel Farke‘s side on their way to victory.
Farke appeared to give a clear indication of the lineup he intends to use for the opening day of the Championship season, with Leeds arguably going at full strength from the start. It was also notable that the Whites boss resisted the urge to make any changes at the break.
But he would utilise his bench as the second-half went on, with all of the outfield players replaced. And Charlie Crew was one of those who got a run out, with the Welshman replacing Ethan Ampadu in the last 10 minutes after a brilliant display from the skipper.
Michael Bridges praises Charlie Crew as Leeds beat Valencia
Leeds took their foot off the pedal a little in the second-half, particularly after losing Jayden Bogle to injury before the hour mark. But Crew looked comfortable in possession, and there was one attribute the 18-year-old had which Michael Bridges picked up on on LUTV.
“It’s always one of the first things that I look at when I see a defensive midfielder or a midfielder, when I see them for the first time with their touch when he’s come on, when they receive a pass with the scan, and Charlie Crew there, straight away, just scanning, you’ve got to take a picture to see what’s around you, it’s going to change, but in that split second, you need to know what’s available. Straight away, you saw there the quality that he possesses, I love seeing that,” he said.
“You might think it’s an easy thing to do, it’s not, because the ball’s coming to you, so you’ve got to quickly scan to see, there’s not a lot of players that actually do it.”
Remember the name
Last season proved to be a breakout campaign for Archie Gray, with his performances earning a move to a Premier League side with their sights set on competing for a top-four spot this coming season.
Gray had been tipped for greatness for some time before his chance came, so there are perhaps a couple more question marks when it comes to Crew. But he has already represented his country.
Tony Dorigo praised Crew earlier in pre-season, and he has now received more plaudits after Saturday’s win. This season definitely looks to have the potential to be the year Crew proves that he belongs in the first-team at Elland Road.
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