Charlie Cresswell ultimately departed Leeds United earlier this summer after a tough season under Daniel Farke at Elland Road, and French media have speculated on his debut for Toulouse on Sunday.
It was no surprise when 22-year-old Cresswell, the son of former Leeds striker Richard Cresswell, left. The 49ers have sold eight players during the current transfer window.
The defender returned to Elland Road last summer following a successful loan spell at Millwall. Cresswell signed a new deal and expected to be an important part of the team, however he only made seven appearances.
After a disagreement with Farke in January, Cresswell’s fate appeared to be sealed. So it was no surprise that he was sold by Leeds this summer, but it may have been surprising that he joined Ligue 1 side Toulouse.
Cresswell shines on debut for Toulouse in the 0-0 draw with Nantes.
On Sunday afternoon, the England U21 defender suited up on the right side of a back three for Toulouse, who competed in the Europa League last season, in a 0-0 draw against Nantes.
The £3.8 million signing impressed for his new club on his competitive debut as Ligue 1 kicked off. According to WhoScored, Cresswell won nine headers, while Toulouse won 22 aerial duels.
He also came close to scoring, making five clearances, more than any other Toulouse player. Cresswell received a 6.5/10 from French publication La Depeche, describing him as a “control tower”.
“Toulouse fans discovered the new control tower. Simply using his head, the Englishman disgusted all of Nantes’ assaults and came close to defeating Lafont twice. “A fantastic debut as he discovered the Stadium.”
Leeds may come to regret selling defender Cresswell to Toulouse.
Leeds eventually forced to sell Cresswell due to Farke’s handling of the defender, but based on his debut performance in Ligue 1, the Whites may come to regret the departure of the Thorp Arch academy product.
Not because he might have been a solid option for Leeds if he had been given his chance and Farke gave him the game time he craved, but because his worth could skyrocket if he continues to perform as well as he has.
Joe Rodon has signed permanently, Pascal Struijk has recovered from an injury, and Max Wober has returned to Elland Road. James Debayo also impressed in preseason, and the 18-year-old might make an impact.
