Performance In Numbers

4.8 aerial duels won per game- Have Leeds United made the right call on out-on-loan player with reported decision

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Leeds United will not be recalling centre back Charlie Cresswell from his loan spell with Millwall in January, a report from Football Insider has claimed.

Cresswell joined the Championship side on loan from the Whites back in the summer transfer window, but a spell in and out of Gary Rowett’s side had led to some suggestions of a recall to Elland Road at the turn of the year.

However, it seems that will not be the case, with this latest update claiming that the centre back is set to see out the season at The Den.

But have Leeds made the right decision in allowing Cresswell to remain with Millwall until the summer?

Here, we’ve taken a look at the stats behind the centre back’s performances for the Championship club so far this season, according to WhoScored, in order to find out.

Ultimately, the main thing that Leeds will be looking for Cresswell to get while he is at Millwall is game time, and he does seem to be getting a decent amount of that.

The centre back has featured in 14 of Millwall’s 20 Championship games so far this season, and he has made quite an impact in that time.

Despite his role as a defender, Cresswell has made a big impact going forward, scoring four goals for Rowett’s side so far, making him their joint second top scorer.

That is in spite of the fact that he is averaging just 0.9 shots per game, emphasising how much of a threat he is when he gets into the opposition box for set pieces.

Indeed, the 20-year-old is also proving a key figure in his own penalty area for Millwall. Cresswell’s average of 4.8 aerial duels won per game is the highest of any Millwall player, showing just how important he is when attacking balls into the area at either end of the pitch.

Meanwhile, his defensive contributions for the Lions do not stop there. The centre back is also averaging 1.4 tackles per game, while his return of 1.6 interceptions in each match is the second highest in the current squad.

He is also managing to record 2.4 clearances in each match, which is the fourth highest in Rowett’s side, further highlighting the defensive responsibility he is taking on for the club.

Meanwhile, the centre back also has a pass success rate of 73.8%, which is the sixth highest in the Millwall squad, and his even seen him provide one assist going forward, to couple with that impress goals tally.

Indeed, Cresswell’s average match rating of 7.08 on WhoScored this season, makes him their highest rated player during the current campaign.

It seems therefore, that with Cresswell thriving at Millwall, and looking well set to continue to improve with his the performances he is producing, Leeds’ decision not to recall him in January, will be the right one.

Should Leeds recall Cresswell in January?

Yes

Yes

No

No

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UCLan Sports Journalism graduate. Have been working for Leeds All Over since summer 2020, and can only be found writing on Football League World.