Leeds United face Manchester City today in the FA Youth Cup final, with Rob Etherington hoping to make history with the current crop of Elland Road talent.
While the senior Leeds team is yet to be promoted to the Premier League, the focus today is on the U18s, who are competing in the FA Youth Cup final for the first time since 1997.
Leeds won the competition that year and are expecting for the same success this time around against a very strong Manchester City team at the Etihad.
Alfie Cresswell is expected to have a bright future at Leeds
Centre-back Alfie Cresswell, the younger brother of first-teamer Charlie, is in the U18 squad and has recently caught the attention of Thorp Arch.
Having played for the U21s this season, the Daily Mail has published a piece on the team heading to the final tonight, which includes Cresswell, who is expected to follow in the footsteps of his father and older brother and play for the senior side in the future:
“Younger brother of first-teamer Charlie, who appears poised to join him and their father Richard as England Under-21 internationals.
“Previously played in midfield, but exchanged places with Rhys Chadwick for an Under 14 match and has stayed at centre back ever since. Accomplished on the ball, physically imposing, and outstanding in the air.”
The 16-year-old scored Leeds’ fourth goal in a 4-0 away win over Brighton during the club’s route to the final.
Leeds has a promising potential blossoming at Thorp Arch.
Alfie Cresswell has recently been promoted to the U21s, indicating his bright future.
With his older brother also on the verge of making the first team this season, Charlie’s improvement should be encouraging for him.
While Charlie’s future is uncertain, it would be nice to see a Cresswell center-back combo in the future.
