PROFILE | Charlie Cresswell proves Leeds wrong at Toulouse | OneFootball

In the form of Djibril Sidibé, there is a World Cup winner at the heart of Toulouse’s defence, but it is England youth international Charlie Cresswell who is the leader of it. The defender’s performances, ever since joining back in the summer of 2024, but especially this season, certainly call into question Leeds United’s decision to ever release their academy product. Being picked up by Toulouse, a club that heavily lean on a data-informed approach, is never a bad sign. They rarely get it wrong, but Cresswell is still proving to be a better pick-up than most. 

There is plenty to like about Cresswell. Carles Martínez Novell picked out his standout strength: “His best characteristic is maybe his combativeness. He is a real warrior. I love it.” It shows in his numbers. The Englishman ranks sixth in Europe’s top five leagues for aerials won, in the top 10 in Ligue 1 for blocks, and second in the league for clearances. 

Cresswell outlines England dream

“In defensive duels, when he goes up for corners, you see these values (of determination) shine. Tactics and technique are important, but combativeness is decisive,” said Martínez Novell. He has played every single minute of Toulouse’s Ligue 1 campaign so far, underlining his importance to a Toulouse side that is looking to trouble the top half of the table this season.

Cresswell can only be applauded for his decision to join Toulouse and embrace a challenge abroad. As it was for Angel Gomes, who made his England debut last year, Ligue 1 can be a springboard. Previously branded as the ‘League of Talents’, France has an excellent track record in what is called post-formation, developing players who have already broken through and who need to be taken to the next level. 

The intensity and the physicality of France’s top-flight have certainly helped round out Cresswell’s game, and he is a player who, after struggling towards the end of his spell at formative club Leeds, can now aim high. The Englishman recently evoked the “dream” of playing at a World Cup, and whilst he may be a little pressed to make Thomas Tuchel’s squad this summer, at just 23, time is very much on his side. “If I am rewarded, that’s great. Otherwise, I’ll just keep on working,” he added. Hard work has taken him into the top 40 of our rankings, and it could yet earn him a big-money move in the near future.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle