The Leeds United Academy looks like it has produced another star of the future after a talented prospect was praised for their performance on their first international start.
Leeds United have a long track record of producing top-level talent, with Archie Gray following in the footsteps of the likes of James Milner, Fabian Delph and Lewis Cook by playing regular top-flight football.
With his brother, Harry Gray, regularly featuring in the first-team squad and fellow Thorp Arch product Rhys Chadwick spotted training with the senior squad recently, that production line shows no sign of slowing down in the near future.
Having signed a new deal with Leeds in the summer of 2024, Charlie Crew is continuing his development on loan in the lower leagues with Doncaster Rovers this season.
After making his full international start for Wales, Crew has been singled out for praise by the Doncaster manager Grant McCann, as his career continues to progress nicely.
Charlie Crew in action during Wales v Canada - International Friendly
Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images
Charlie Crew praised following first Wales start
19-year-old Crew made his start at international level after being named in the Wales line-up to face Canada, who are led by former Leeds manager Jesse Marsch.
Although Craig Bellamy’s experimental Wales side slipped to a 1-0 defeat, Crew performed creditably in the game, growing in stature as the contest progressed.
Speaking in his weekly press conference ahead of Doncaster’s game against Wigan Athletic, McCann praised the on-loan Leeds youngster for his performance. McCann said: “To be trusted to play international football is the pinnacle of any footballer’s career, really, playing for your country.
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“So, I know how he feels. I did it myself when I was playing. It just means everything to you when you get selected for your nation. So, yes, delighted for him.”
He added: “I watched Charlie’s game against Canada, and he was playing against some really good players, some technically good players who obviously come off the Red Bull [model] with Jesse Marsch, so it’s difficult.
“But Charlie did fine. He grew into the game and got more confident as the game went on.”
Charlie Crew wins a header during Wales v Canada - International Friendly
Photo by Ian Cook – CameraSport/CameraSport via Getty Images
Crew is one of a long list of Welsh Internationals to play for Leeds United
Crew had already joined the list of Leeds United players to represent Wales when he made his international debut against Gibraltar in 2024.
The Whites currently have a strong contingent of Welsh internationals, with goalkeeper Karl Darlow, defender Joe Rodon, and midfielders Ethan Ampadu and Daniel James all regularly featuring in Bellamy’s squads.
The West Stand at Elland Road is named after John Charles, arguably the greatest player to play for both Leeds and Wales, who went on to become a legend in Serie A after joining Juventus in the 1950s.
If Crew continues to progress at his current rate, he could become the latest Welsh regular in the first-team squad when he returns from his loan spell.