Charlie Cresswell finally left Leeds United earlier this summer after a frustrating season under Daniel Farke at Elland Road, and French media have discussed his debut for Toulouse on Sunday.
It came as no surprise when 22-year-old Cresswell, the son of former Leeds striker Richard Cresswell, left Leeds. He is one of eight players to have been sold by The 49ers throughout the current transfer window.
The defender had returned to Elland Road last summer after a brilliant loan at Millwall. Cresswell signed a new contract and had expected to be a crucial part of the side, but he managed just seven appearances.
After a disagreement with Farke in January, Cresswell’s future looked inevitable. So, no surprise when he was sold by Leeds this summer but perhaps, a surprise in the club he joined Ligue 1 side Toulouse.
Cresswell shines on debut for Toulouse in 0-0 draw vs Nantes
The England U21 defender lined-up on the right side of a back three for Toulouse on Sunday afternoon as Toulouse, who featured in last season’s Europa League, took on Nantes and played out a 0-0 draw.
The £3.8m signing impressed for his new club in what was his competitive debut as Ligue 1 got underway. WhoScored say Cresswell won a massive nine headers, with Toulouse as a team winning 22 aerial duels.
He came close to scoring as well, while making five clearances which was more than any other Toulouse player. French outlet La Depeche gave Cresswell 6.5/10, describing the defender as a “control tower”.
“Toulouse fans discovered their new control tower. Simply, with his head, the Englishman disgusted all the Nantes attackers and came close to beating Lafont twice. A great debut as he discovered the Stadium.”
Leeds may come to regret sale of defender Cresswell to Toulouse
Leeds ultimately had to sell Cresswell after Farke’s treatment of the defender but judging by his display on debut in Ligue 1, The Whites could come to regret the sale of the Thorp Arch academy product.
Not because he might have been a good option for Leeds had he got his chance and Farke gave him the game time he craved, but because his value could rocket north if he continues the way he’s started.
Joe Rodon signed permanently and Pascal Struijk is back from injury, while Max Wober is back at Elland Road. James Debayo also impressed during pre-season and the 18-year-old could have an impact
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