'Wow' - Charlie Cresswell reflects on Premier League example for Leeds United's youngsters

CHARLIE Cresswell has opened up on the hope offered to Leeds United's youngsters by a thriving member of the Whites first team.
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United's under-23s enjoyed a superb season in Premier League Two Division 2 by romping to promotion as champions in boss Mark Jackson's first full season in charge.

The club's development side will now be facing the best Academy sides in the country next season but centre-back Cresswell and his team mates are ultimately intent on making the grade for Marcelo Bielsa's first team.

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Former 23s star Pascal Struijk has done exactly that and Cresswell says the 21-year-old centre-back is providing the ultimate example of what can be achieved.

BATTLING THE BEST: Leeds United's Pascal Struijk, left, locks horns with England captain Harry Kane in January's Premier League clash at Tottenham Hotspur. Photo by IAN WALTON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images.BATTLING THE BEST: Leeds United's Pascal Struijk, left, locks horns with England captain Harry Kane in January's Premier League clash at Tottenham Hotspur. Photo by IAN WALTON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images.
BATTLING THE BEST: Leeds United's Pascal Struijk, left, locks horns with England captain Harry Kane in January's Premier League clash at Tottenham Hotspur. Photo by IAN WALTON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images.

Struijk only made his first team debut in December 2019 but quickly established himself as a first team squad member and made 27 Premier League appearances during the 2020-21 campaign.

"Pascal has been brilliant this season, he has done amazing," said Cresswell.

"All of the Academy boys here have just looked up to him and gone wow.

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"If he can be given an opportunity like that in the Premier League then that is something for us to strive for too.

"He gives us all hope."

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Thank you Laura Collins

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