Cruz Anthony Allen (born 25 February 2007) is a professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for club Halifax Town, on loan from club Derby County. He is a Wales Under 19 international.
A youth product of Derby County, Allen made his first team debut in 2023, he signed his first professional contract in 2024. He made his league debut in 2026. He was loaned out to FC Halifax Town in August 2026.
Club career Allen started his footballing career in the Burton Albion academy, before joining the Derby County academy at under-10 level. Allen progressed through the age groups in Derby's academy, making his first appearances for the under-18s aged 16 in the 2022–23 season. The 2023–24 saw Allen became a regular in the under-18s, he made his debut for the under-21 at age of 16.
On 8 November 2023, Allen made his debut for the first team of Derby County, aged 16 in a 4–1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers U21 in the EFL Trophy as a 79th-minute substitute for Adebayo Fapetu. In this game, he showed a good ability on the ball and came close to scoring.
After interest from Premier League clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester United and Newcastle United, Allen signed first professional contract at Derby County in March 2024, on a deal until June 2026. The 2024–25 season saw Allen become a regular in the under-21 team at Derby and he featured in two first team match day squads an unused substitute.
On 21 February 2026, Allen made his second appearance for the first team and his first in the league, as he came as injury time substitute for Lewis Travis in a 2–0 Championship defeat to Watford. Allen made three appearances for the Derby County first team in the 2025–26 season.
On 15 May 2026, it was announced that Allen was "in discussion about his future" at Derby County with his contract expiring in June 2026. On 24 June 2026, it was announced that Allen had signed a new two-year contract at Derby County.
On 28 August 2026, Allen joined FC Halifax Town of the National League on a month's loan. He made his debut for Halifax later that day as a 70th minute substitute in a 2–1 defeat to Altrincham.
International career Allen has been capped by Wales at under-15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 level. Allen featured in the squad for Wales under-17 in the 2024 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. He qualifies for Wales through his Welsh-born father.
Style of play An attacking midfielder, Allen has been described as a player with strengths being his composure on the ball, his abilities at taking free-kicks were also notable in his youth career.
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupEFL CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsDerby County2023–24League One00000010102024–25Championship000000—002025–26Championship300000—302026–27Championship000000—00Total3000001040FC Halifax Town (loan)2026–27National League10———10Career total4000001050
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