Liam Cooper has urged the players breaking through at Leeds United to grasp their chance to work under an ‘elite’ manager in Marcelo Bielsa, he told the Yorkshire Evening Post.
The Whites captain believes the Argentine has been fantastic for the crop of young talents rising up at Elland Road. Bielsa has given seven players all aged 20 or under their Premier League debuts so far this season. He has also started three of those at least once this term.
Crysencio Summerville has also played more top-flight minutes (118) than Charlie Cresswell (93), despite not opening a game. While Joe Gelhardt has as many goals (1) as Dan James.
Bielsa continually impresses Cooper with his work developing the younger talents at Leeds. The Scotland international now hopes they take their chance to learn from the Argentine as it will not only see them improve, but see the West Yorkshire outfit grow as a whole.
“The manager’s been unbelievable for the young boys,” Cooper said. “I always say it, I wish I’d come across him earlier in my career, but it wasn’t meant to be.
“The young lads have really got to grasp it. They’re playing under an elite manager, at an elite club, with an elite mentality. That will only better them, us, the academy and everyone around the place.”
Injuries endlessly opening door to Bielsa’s plans and Leeds first-team
Injuries, covid cases and suspensions in the Leeds squad have forced Bielsa to turn to youth at times this season. Cresswell made his Premier League bow by starting against West Ham in September after Luke Ayling added to their injury crisis, for example.
Cody Drameh, meanwhile, made his first start against Arsenal this month as Bielsa only had 10 available senior players. Patrick Bamford’s absence also saw that Gelhardt started, too.
The Gunners also represented a first-team breakthrough for Liam McCarron and Premier League bow for Sam Greenwood. Stuart McKinstry made his against Tottenham last month.
If it were not for Leeds’ stream of absentees, Bielsa would likely have not given so many their debuts. But he has, and they will want to seize the chance, as Cooper urges them to.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
