Leeds United captain is finally stepping out of Pontus Jansson’s shadow.
Pontus Jansson’s departure from Leeds United might end up being the career boost Liam Cooper needed.
Cooper, 28, has the chance to step out from Jansson’s shadow and he has had an excellent start to the campaign.
Cooper was named as Leeds captain two years ago, but this was a controversial decision at the time.
Many fans felt Jansson was the obvious choice, especially as it was the Swede and loanee Kyle Bartley who had previously kept Cooper out of the team.
Cooper had a terrible season in 2017/18 under Thomas Christiansen and Paul Heckingbottom, making costly errors and getting sent off on multiple occasions.
It was a surprise when Marcelo Bielsa chose to not only keep him in the team last summer, but let him retain the captaincy.
Cooper stepped up, and improved his form. But there was still an underlying concern his performances were being propper up by Jansson.
This did not go away, when it was Cooper who was involved in the disastrous play-off semi-final mix-up with Kiko Casilla which gifted Derby a vital goal.
Jansson’s surprise departure for Brentford in a £5.5 million deal is a gift for Cooper.
Cooper has the opportunity to flourish as a leader, and also prove his quality as a defender in his own right.
Summer signing Ben White is winning plaudits, but Cooper deserves praise by association.
For a 21-year-old loanee to shine in central defence, a lot of credit should automatically go to his more experience partner, 28, who helps make it possible.
Cooper could become a legend if he leads Leeds to promotion. With Jansson gone, there will be no whispers, it will be earned.
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