Leeds United academy product Charlie Cresswell is making headlines for all the right reasons in the French media after another impressive display for Toulouse.
Charlie Cresswell came through the Leeds Academy and played 10 games for the club before he was sold by Daniel Farke in July 2024.
The powerful central defender made a surprise move, as Cresswell signed for Toulouse in the French Ligue 1 for a reported fee of £4 million.
The England under-21 international impressed in his first season with Toulouse, and has been linked with a return to the Premier League, with Leeds United News revealing that Everton are interested in signing Cresswell.
Now, Cresswell has been praised by the French media after he played an important role in Toulouse’s 4-0 win over Metz, which moved them up to eighth in the Ligue 1 table.
Charlie Cresswell celebrates with Toulouse
Photo by MATTHIEU RONDEL/AFP via Getty Images
Charlie Cresswell praised after goal-scoring Toulouse display
Toulouse enjoyed a game to remember as they hosted FC Metz at the Stadium de Toulouse, and Cresswell made his mark, scoring the fourth goal of the game to complete the rout.
The defender’s performance earned rave reviews from the French press, with Actu.FR stating: “Charlie Cresswell produced his speciality: a deadly header from a corner. The demolition is complete.”
The publication Let’s Go Metz was understandably less triumphant, having described the game as a nightmare for their side, wrote off Cresswell’s goal, as they said: “The fourth goal, once again from a corner, headed by Charlie Cresswell, became almost trivial.”
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Remarkably, despite Cresswell scoring a goal and registering an assist, French paper of note L’Equipe, famous for their stingy player ratings, only gave Cresswell a 6/10.
However, BeInSports described Cresswell’s late goal as perfect, stating: “English defender Charlie Cresswell joined the party with a perfect header from a corner, sealing the 4-0 final score. The stadium erupted.
“Toulouse delivered their best performance of the season, making it clear that their ambition goes well beyond merely avoiding relegation.”
Charlie Cresswell reacts during England v Germany - UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2025 Final
Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images
Former Leeds United man produces a man-of-the-match performance
Premier League clubs will definitely be sitting up and taking notice of Cresswell after his dominant performance at the back for Toulouse.
Fotmob made Cresswell their player of the match in the victory, as he added an assist to his goal and came close to scoring in the 73rd minute, heading wide from inside the box.
Charlie Cresswell vs Metz:
Goals: 1
Assists: 1
Touches: 66
Accurate Passes (Success Rate): 49 (92%)
Defensive Contributions: 8
FotMob Rating: 8.9
Cresswell was a rock at the back for Toulouse, making 66 touches and completing 49 accurate passes at a success rate of 92%.
He also won five of his six aerial duels, made four clearances, four recoveries and two interceptions as the Toulouse back four snuffed out what little threat Metz posed.