Adam Pope says it is a “real shame” Charlie Cresswell looks set to depart Leeds United, with Jonny Buchan adding it was “staggering” he played no part against Peterborough United.
Rarely-seen Cresswell was not part of the Whites’ 18-man squad for Sunday’s (7 January) FA Cup third-round tie at the The Weston Homes Stadium.
That was despite injury problems for Pascal Struijk and Liam Cooper, with Daniel Farke opting to use Ethan Ampadu alongside Joe Rodon in the heart of defence.
Speaking on BBC’s Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet podcast [8 January, 6m 33s], Pope said: “It’s so sad because he signs this new deal, he’s got the number five shirt so you think he’s starting, and I’m thinking ‘great’.
“I try not to let my own personal views get in the way of this, but I don’t like seeing players who come through the academy go without getting a real chance.
“Now, I get it – Joe Rodon has been exceptional. But to lose Cresswell, without seeing him have a Leeds career, is a real shame. He’s such a talented player. Yesterday sort of sealed that for me, unless something remarkable happens.”
Buchan added: “I interviewed him before the season started and he talked about expecting to play more. He spoke really well that day.
“Yet here we are with him not involved with the squad for an FA Cup game. Staggering.”
Cresswell has played just four league games for Leeds since returning from his loan spell with Millwall last season, only one of those being a start.
Indeed, the academy graduate has been included in Farke’s matchday squad just once since before the November international break.
Farke has options at the back, but the trip to Peterborough seemed like the perfect chance to give Cresswell some minutes. Who knows, he may have played a starring role.
As it is, he looks set to depart Elland Road before playing another game. However, according to Alan Nixon [8 January], a return to Millwall is still not close to completion despite previous reports.
Cresswell was expected to play a far bigger role this season, but that just simply has not happened for one reason or another. As a former England Under-21s international, he will no doubt be eager to find a club where he is a regular.
It may well prove to be a decision that haunts Leeds, but it is ultimately the right one to make if he is so far down the pecking order he cannot even make the subs’ bench any more.
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