Who is Alfie Cresswell? Leeds United academy talent in squad against Brighton | OneFootball

Leeds United could blood up to three academy players against Brighton this afternoon, with defender Alfie Cresswell among the substitutes as Daniel Farke manages an injury-hit squad.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Pascal Struijk joins Jayden Bogle, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Noah Okafor and Ilia Gruev in missing out. Captain Ethan Ampadu had been ill but kept his place in central midfield.

Full-back Jayden Lienou and midfielder Rhys Chadwick are again on the bench after Monday’s 1-1 draw at Tottenham. Struijk’s absence has opened a starting berth, with Sebastiaan Bornauw coming into the back three and Cresswell taking a spot among the replacements.

Born in July 2007, Cresswell is aiming to become the third member of his family to play for Leeds. The 18-year-old is younger brother to Charlie Cresswell, who moved to FC Toulouse in 2024, and son of Richard, who joined from Preston North End in 2005.

Comfortable at centre-back, he can also fill across the defence and in holding midfield. He has captained Leeds Under-21s this season, scoring five goals in 26 appearances across all competitions.

Cresswell also led Scott Garnder’s side to last season’s National League Cup, and has trained with the first team at times this campaign. He is under contract at Elland Road until 2028 after extending in September, when he said he was thrilled to commit, felt he had developed through senior tests, viewed holding midfield as his main role this season, and hoped to train more with the first team, add goals and contribute.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk