James Coppinger lauds Leeds loanee Mallik Wilks

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James Coppinger has heaped praise upon Mallik Wilks after the Leeds United loanee was left out of the starting lineup at the weekend.

With four goals and a number of bright performances under his belt, Mallik Wilks appears to be enjoying the kind of loan spell at Doncaster that could catch Marcelo Bielsa’s eye ahead of his expected return to Leeds in January.

It is going to be a difficult task to force his way into Bielsa’s plans anytime soon given the forwards already at Elland Road, but the promise that he is showing suggests that he does stand a chance.

And based on some comments made by Donny teammate James Coppinger – which have been reported by Doncaster Free Press – Wilks’ form is not going to be the only aspect of his game that is going to impress Bielsa.

The youngster was left out of the starting lineup for the weekend game against Rochdale and only came on with just under 20 minutes of the contest remaining. He may not have been able to get onto the scoresheet in the 3-2 win, but Wilks’ attitude in response to the demotion to the bench could not have impressed the veteran more it seems.

“Mallik got left out and it wasn’t easy for him,” Coppinger said, as reported by Doncaster Free Press. “But his reaction was unbelievable when he came on. At half time I’m looking at the bench and thinking I can’t wait for him to come on.

“He’s 19 years old and he’s been unbelievable this season. You sometimes worry about the reaction and how he’s going to react to being left out. But he was superb when he came on and he was a constant threat.”

One of the key reasons for Leeds’ success in the Championship this season is the fact that all of the squad have completely bought into Bielsa’s ways and the style of football that he wants the team to play.

It remains to be seen if Wilks will be able to put pressure on the likes of Kemar Roofe, Patrick Bamford and Tyler Roberts by adapting to Bielsa’s system upon his return, but Coppinger’s comments suggest that he will have no problem attempting everything asked of him.

And given his potential, that brilliant attitude could perhaps prove game-changing for the youngster when he makes his return to Elland Road.