The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Monday 25th April) Cresswell promotion could lead to departures this Summer
Good Morning. It's Monday 25th April, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Cresswell promotion could lead to departures this Summer
During his pre-match Press Conference on Friday, Head Coach Jessie Marsch told journalists that he considers U23 Captain Charlie Cresswell 'a first team player now'. Marsch has been impressed, not only with the 19yo's defensive capabilities, but the way he has quickly adapted to zonal marking. Cresswell joined the Elland Road academy back in 2013 when his father (Richard) was one of the coaching staff. He signed his first professional deal at the club at the beginning of the 19/20 season under the guidance of Mark Jackson. It wasn't long before he was promoted to U23 duties, then Captaincy.
“Consider him a first-team player now. [We] had that discussion in our scouting meeting. Personality, [he] is not afraid of anything. Even in the first session we had, he was the loudest player on the pitch. [He] does not shy away. He needs to play,”
Although only 19, Cressy stands 6ft 3' and is already considered to be one of Leeds' best header's of the ball, a skill sadly lacking under Bielsa's tenure. If he does make the step-up, can we assume he is being ear marked to start next season, and if so, who does he replace. Leeds now have five defenders (Cooper, Llorente, Cresswell, Koch, Struijk), and only two slots to fill. It makes little sense to send him out on loan, so does that mean we will see a couple of defenders leave the club during the Summer? We also need to consider that it's not going to be long until Leo Hjelde comes knocking at the door of the first team.
Relegation battle hots up
An unlikely victory over Wolves at the weekend, saw Manager-less Burnley move to within two points of Leeds, and land the Toffee's in a very sticky situation. A goal on the hour mark from Matej Vydra was enough to give the plucky Lancashire side, maximum points for the second game running, bringing their tally to ten points from their last five games. Their victory saw Everton drop into the relegation zone for the first time this season, after being brushed at Anfield yesterday.
Whilst Norwich and Watford look odds on to return to the Championship after their respective thumpings, Everton at least showed signs of conviction, before being over-run by their bitter rivals in the last half hour. They have picked up seven points from their last six games, and along with Burnley have a much easier run of games than Leeds, starting tonight at Selhurst Park.
Spirited display end in defeat in front of 21,000 crowd
A crowd of over 21,000 turned up at Elland Road to watch the young Whites take on Manchester City on Friday night. Andrew Taylor's side were looking to put distance between themselves and the bottom two, but, after a good start, they were outgunned by the Champions elect.
Leeds made the best possible start, and went ahead after just six minutes; Matteo Joseph's fierce drive beat Slicker at his near post, but within five minutes, City were ahead. Goals from Kayky (dubbed the next Naymar) and England's Cole Palmer turned the game on it's head. The hosts went in search of an equiliser, but were continually thwarted by Slicker. The young Scotsman was lucky to stay on the field after bringing Summerville down on the half hour mark, but the lenient referee chose only to book the shot-stopper, much to the anger of the Elland Road crowd. Even the Manchester Evening News quoted that Slicker was 'lucky not to see Red'.
Leeds continued to push, and were only denied a share of the spoils by the woodwork. England striker Liam Delap put the game to bed three minutes from time, after his goalwards effort looped over Klaesson. Leeds are four points clear of Chelsea in 13th place, but the Blues have two games in hand. Leeds final game of the season on Friday is at Arsenal.