Leeds United employee issues ‘massive’ Liam Cooper claim
Noel Whelan has insisted “incredible” defender Liam Cooper will be “massive” in the run-in for Leeds United after his injury return.
The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 30-year-old’s performance against Southampton “felt like he hadn’t been missing at all”.
Cooper slotted back into the starting eleven which played out a 1-1 draw against the Saints at Elland Road on Saturday (2 April) – returning after almost four months out of the side with a hamstring injury.
As per LUFCDATA post-match, the Scotland international asserted his dominance over Southampton’s strikers on the day – winning eight aerial duels, making seven clearances, five ball recoveries and four interceptions.
Leeds United failed to keep a single clean sheet in Cooper’s absence.
Whelan highlighted the importance of the 30-year-old’s return as the Whites look to stave off the threat of relegation.
“I think it was imperative he came back as soon as possible,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“He’s the club captain and he’s been at Leeds longer than most.
“His performance showed that he’s got the desire and drive you need to wear that armband, and he led by example throughout the game.
“It felt like he hadn’t actually been missing at all with the performance he put in, it was really quite incredible.
“It was great to have him back, he looked so solid – he’s going to be massive for this run-in.”
Kalvin Phillips also made his injury return from the bench on Saturday.
Leeds United have now picked up seven points in Jesse Marsch’s first five matches in charge.
The Whites moved eight points clear of the drop zone after favourable results over the weekend.
In other news, Leeds United to listen to offers for defender as transfer plan revealed.