Speaking to Off The Ball, Mark Lawrenson has been discussing Liam Cooper and Leeds United’s defensive struggles.
Leeds have been shocking at the back lately, there’s no nice way to put it. They’ve conceded 11 goals in two games, and they’ve been receiving plenty of criticism for their incredibly open style of play.
However, Leeds’ defensive struggles are nothing new. They weren’t as bad last season, but they still leaked plenty of goals, and Lawrenson believes that their personnel at the back lets them down.
The pundit pinpointed Cooper as one player who simply isn’t good enough for the Premier League.
What’s Lawrenson said about Cooper?
Lawrenson was critical of Leeds’ defence and Cooper.
“Leeds, as good as they were last year, they weren’t great defensively. Look at people like Cooper, it’s too much for him at this level. He’s an outstanding centre-back in the Championship, but not at this level. The goalkeeper has had a few iffy days as well,” Lawrenson said.
Not the best
As much as we hate to say it, Lawrenson may be right about Cooper.
He’s improved massively since Marcelo Bielsa came to Elland Road, but he’s still not quite good enough at this level.
He’s tidy on the ball and he can read the game well enough, but he’s somewhat suspect in the air, and he’s not hard to beat with a bit of trickery.
He’s been a great servant and a great captain for Leeds, but as Lawrenson says, Cooper doesn’t shine in the Premier League.
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