The Leeds United defender filled in brilliantly for the suspended Pontus Jansson against Rotherham United.
Leeds United defender Liam Cooper had big shoes to fill after replacing the suspended Pontus Jansson for Saturday’s Championship clash with Rotherham United, and he did not disappoint.
The 25-year-old had barely featured for the Whites this season, such was the superb partnership formed by Jansson and fellow summer signing Kyle Bartley, but with the Swede collecting his fifth yellow card last time out the vice-captain stepped in like he had never been away.
Prior to Saturday Cooper had played just 47 minutes of league football in the previous 12 matches. However those fans fearing the worst need not have worried.
In fact, Cooper was one of Leeds’ best players on the day.
| Passing Accuracy | Duels Won | Interceptions Won | Tackles Won | Aerials Won | Effective Clearances | Effective Headed Clearances | Ball Recoveries | Mins Played | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liam Cooper | 88% | 10 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 90 |
The centre-back had a passing accuracy of 88 per cent while he won a very impressive 10 duels during the clash.
Cooper also made five effective clearances, won three tackles and five aerial duels and overall he did everything asked of him.
Will it be enough to earn him another start when Leeds take on Liverpool in the EFL Cup next week or Aston Villa the following Saturday? Probably not given Jansson’s impact thus far.
But Cooper proved this weekend that he can and will perform whenever he is asked to.
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