Daniel Farke is busy preparing his Leeds United side for Saturday’s trip to Wolves, which could prove to be an important fixture come the end of the season in the fight to avoid relegation.
Four points from four games, including two clean sheets, has been solid. Leeds need to average a point a game to achieve safety come the end of the season, and as things stand, they are on track to do that.
It should have been five but for Gabriel Gudmundsson’s own goal, but Daniel Farke’s side look like they can compete in the Premier League even if only one goal has been scored, a penalty in the first game.
But in the U21 side, wins have been much more common. Scott Gardner’s side have picked up three wins in all competitions so far compared to the senior side’s one, including a 3-1 win on Tuesday night.
Alfie Cresswell in action for Leeds U21's.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Alfie Cresswell signs new contract after starring for U21 side
Harry Gray got a hat-trick and is the standout name in the U21 side at the moment, having already made his senior debut last season. The fifth member of the Gray family to play professionally for Leeds United.
Then there is Rhys Chadwick, who has been training with the senior side. Chadwick was involved in the pre-season tour of Germany and featured against Man United, after 26 goals and assists during 2024-25.
But the emerging name is Alfie Cresswell. Charlie’s younger brother is captaining the U21 side and having scored two goals in three Premier League 2 games this season, has earned a three-year contract at Leeds.
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Archie Gray and Charlie Cresswell react to Leeds announcement
Leeds announced the news on Wednesday, after Cresswell had helped the 21s beat Scunthorpe United’s senior side in the National League Cup. Cresswell has netted goals against Aston Villa and Ipswich in PL2.
Hoping to follow in his brother’s footsteps and break into the senior side, Cresswell has urged Farke to give him more time training with the senior side. Archie Gray and brother Charlie reacted to his contract.
Given he is captaining the second string at just 18, there is every hope that Cresswell will break into the senior side in the next couple of seasons – even, if it is very difficult to do so in the Premier League.