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Pundit sends clear message to Leeds United about what to do with out-on-loan player in January

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Leeds United should not recall centre back Charlie Cresswell from his loan spell at Millwall in the January transfer window.

That’s according to the Whites’ former striker Noel Whelan, who believes that the Elland Road club have enough options in their own centre of defence to cope without the 20-year-old for the rest of the season.

Having made a handful of Premier League appearances for Leeds last season, the summer window saw Cresswell join Millwall on loan, in search of more regular first-team experience.

The centre back has since gone on to make 15 appearances in all competitions for Gary Rowett’s side, scoring four goals and providing one assist so far.

But with Cresswell also having to endure some spells out of the matchday squad, there had been some suggestions that Leeds could take up their option to recall the defender in January.

Now however, it seems as though Whelan believes that bringing the young defender back to Elland Road, would be the wrong decision for the club to make.

Speaking to Football Insider about the possibility of Leeds recalling Cresswell in January, Whelan said: “I think he’ll be left out on loan at Millwall. He’s bedded in there, he’s learning his trade – he’s getting more 90-minute outings under his belt.

The Championship is such a tough, competitive division, and the progression he’s showing is a really good sign for Leeds United.

“It would be a shame to call him back, even if he is excelling. We’ve got four good senior options to call on in the senior squad, so there’s no use in disrupting a very valuable part of a youngsters’ football education.”

It does feel hard to argue with Whelan’s assessment of Cresswell’s situation here.

Despite a spell out of the side, the 20-year-old does look to be getting a decent amount of first-team football at The Den.

Given the options currently available to Jesse Marsch, it is hard to imagine he would get quite as many opportunities, if he did return to Elland Road in the January window.

As a result, allowing him to stay out on loan will surely be more beneficial to his development, particularly with Millwall going well in sixth in the Championship, so it would feel like a surprise to see Leeds recall him.

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.