Charlie Crew shares what he noticed about new Leeds star Joe Rothwell ‘instantly’

However, he is one of six youth players who have flown to Germany alongside 21 senior players, including Brenden Aaronson, Max Wober, Jayden Bogle and Patrick Bamford, as they continue their rehab.

Of the six though, Crew is the closest to becoming a first-team regular. He will face competition from the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev and new signing Joe Rothwell, who joined on loan from Bournemouth.

Crew’s first impressions of new Leeds signing Rothwell

Not much has been said about Rothwell. A player who impressed in the play-off final at rivals Southampton on loan last year, but was an unused substitute against Leeds at Wembley after joining them on loan in January.

His signing flew under the radar, with reports emerging just an hour or two before his arrival was announced. Against Harrogate, he showed that he is a technical, experienced but also accomplished player.

Speaking to Leeds Live, the Crew youngster explained how easy it is to see what kind of player Rothwell is straight away, also commenting on the link he has with potential Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu.

“We already have a close bond, Ethan and I, being Welsh. Ilia helped me settle in very quickly. Joe comes in, straight away you can see the player he is, so obviously he helps you straight away.”

Suddenly, the Leeds team is starting to take shape

The steady stream of exits suggested Leeds had plenty of work to do in the window. Of the squad Farke had at his disposal last year, eight have now left, including Connor Roberts and Jaidon Anthony.

Liam Cooper, Jamie Shackleton, Kris Klaesson, Charlie Cresswell, Archie Gray and Glen Kamara too. But Alex Cairns replaces Klaesson, Jayden Bogle solves a right-back shortage, Rothwell adds depth to midfield.

With Brenden Aaronson and Max Wober returning as new signings, this immediately strengthens the team. Sprinkle some youngsters in there and Leeds are looking pretty tidy ahead of the opener on 10th August.

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