Charlie Cresswell, a Leeds United centre-back, is caught between the under-21s and the first squad and needs a solution as quickly as possible.
Leeds have less than two months before January, and while their team is strong for promotion, there isn’t much wiggle space in key spots.
Leeds have four senior players at center-back yet appear to have only three spots in the matchday squad, with the same name missing out each week.
With the signing of Joe Rodon to compete with Pascal Struijk and Liam Cooper, Charlie Cresswell has slid to fourth choice in the team.
Because of Leeds’ depth, two centre-backs have not been named to the bench, which has meant that Cresswell has been absent in recent weeks and will continue to be so unless an injury occurs.
When questioned before the Leicester game whether Cresswell would have played for the under-21s instead, Farke stated (via the YEP):
“When we have a difficult schedule and play all three days, we are careful not to send too many Under-21s players because we already have some involved.”
“Mateo Joseph, Darko Gyabi, and the other guys all needed game time.” We make decisions on a daily basis, and with a hectic calendar, it is vital to be a little more cautious with individuals who are expected to be engaged in first team games, giving them game time in the Under-21s. I believe we must make pragmatic decisions once we arrive.”
What is best for Cresswell in the future?
As was the case last season, a loan allows Cresswell to gain much-needed playing time, which is unlikely to materialize at Leeds at the present.
The issue that prevents it from being a viable option for Cooper and the club is that Farke would be down to three senior centre-backs, one of whom is Cooper, who has frequently struggled with injury difficulties.
Cresswell isn’t getting any closer to being a polished regular senior player by sitting out or on the bench right now, thus the club should consider sanctioning a loan deal for him.
However, he should only be allowed to do so if he is adequately replaced by someone coming in to cover his slot.
It remains to be seen whether a signing is content to be the fourth or third choice.
