Speaking to OTB, Mark Lawrenson has been discussing some of Leeds United’s players in the wake of Marcelo Bielsa’s departure.
The Whites have struggled this season, and while the manager has taken the brunt of the blame, the players haven’t been up to scratch either.
One player Lawrenson spoke about was Liam Cooper, claiming that while the Scot hasn’t played much this season, when he has played he’s looked very limited and half a yard too slow.
What’s been said?
Lawrenson was discussing Cooper and Illan Meslier.
“The goalkeeper has looked like what he is, a really young goalkeeper who has made mistakes. I know that Cooper hasn’t been playing, but generally looking at Cooper you think he’s half a yard too slow, but he can defend, and if you circle the troops around him he’s a head it and kick it centre-half,” Lawrenson said.
Off the pace
Lawrenson is right about Cooper, he’s not the quickest defender in the league, but as he says, he’s a decent defender.
However, when you’re employing a man-marking system and an incredibly high line, you need a bit of pace in the defence, and sadly, that’s where Cooper can come unstuck.
Of course, Cooper’s injuries have meant that he’s not been able to play that much football this season, but Lawrenson’s point still stands about the Whites’ captain.
Whether or not the skipper is a key player under the new manager remains to be seen, but his lack of pace is something that may need to be considered.
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