What Charlie Cresswell did at full-time after Leeds win should not go unnoticed after Daniel Farke’s comments

Add as preferred source on Google

When Daniel Farke ruled Charlie Cresswell out of contention for selection last month, it appeared particularly ominous for the Leeds United defender’s future, particularly with the January transfer window open.

Charlie Cresswell is one player who would have hoped to have played a lot more this season. It is easy to forget now that he played a large part in the opening two league games. However, he has only made three substitute appearances in the Championship since then.

In fact, he struggled to even make the bench for much of the campaign. So it was no surprise that Daniel Farke was asked about his situation midway through January.

Charlie Cresswell now showing exactly what Daniel Farke wanted to see

Farke said that Cresswell would not be considered for selection until his attitude changed or he managed to find a move away.

It was a surprise to hear Farke be so honest publicly about the centre-back’s position in the squad. And many of us probably expected the comments to lead to a move away for the defender.

However, Cresswell would stay put and he has now been involved in the last five match day squads in the Championship, coming on for the final minutes against Rotherham earlier this month.

It does seem that Cresswell is now embracing the challenge set by Farke. And with that, there was a great moment involving the pair after the full-time whistle on Friday night following the win over Leicester City.

Of course, many of us were focused on the amazing sight of Archie Gray and Georginio Rutter dancing around the pitch, leading the celebrations in the wake of the 3-1 victory.

But the LUTV cameras also picked up Daniel Farke and Cresswell seemingly sharing a high five and a joke before the Leeds boss went on to take in more of the atmosphere. It was not the interaction of two people who have little time for each other.

It was also notable that Cresswell was one of the first players, on or off the pitch, to catch Archie Gray immediately after the 17-year-old had put Leeds in front against the Foxes.

Defender very much committed to the cause

If this was a player who had checked out in any way, or did not feel a part of what is going on at Elland Road right now, Cresswell certainly did a fantastic job of hiding it.

It is still going to be a big challenge for Cresswell to force his way into the starting lineup anytime soon, particularly if we do get promoted from here.

But there have been reasons to question the likes of Illan Meslier, Junior Firpo, Daniel James, Georginio Rutter and Patrick Bamford in the past. And all five of those players featured against Leicester on Friday.

Cresswell appears to now be doing all he can to put himself in the frame should Farke feel that an opportunity is coming his way.

That should not go unnoticed.