‘High up the stupid scale’ – David Prutton highlights Leeds’ weakness after Wednesday loss
By Russell Edge
Former Leeds United midfielder David Prutton has said that the Whites were lacking leadership in their 3-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday.
A first half double from Gary Hooper and a long range strike Kieran Lee secured the win for the Owls and left Thomas Christiansen’s side nursing their second successive defeat after a disappointing 3-1 loss to Cardiff just days before.
It was a lacklustre display from the Whites, who appeared disorganised both up top and at the back, with a miscommunication in defence resulting in Pontus Jansson being stretchered off after a collision with team mate Kalvin Phillips.
However, Prutton, who also made 56 appearances for Wednesday, believes it was the absence of the Swedish international’s regular defensive partner, Liam Cooper, which contributed heavily to the defeat.
The club captain was serving a one match suspension after seeing himself sent off against Cardiff, and Prutton insists that a lack of his leadership against the Owls was critical.
Writing for the Yorkshire Evening Post, he said: “He had a bit of a nightmare in the defeat at Cardiff City and his red card was fairly high up the stupid scale – but his powers of organisation are a little underrated.
“He’s good at keeping the defensive line in order and keeping them together. Every defence needs a voice and a leader. That was one of the biggest failings at Sheffield Wednesday.
“Players were guilty of ball-watching, losing their markers and failing to win vital headers inside the box.
“You can dissect other parts of the derby all you like but when you start giving away cheap goals you’re going to lose games.”
Cooper has made 99 appearances for Leeds since joining from Chesterfield, with nine of those coming this season.
Christiansen is likely to welcome the centre back back for into the starting XI for his century of appearances in the Whites’ clash against Reading, as they look to return to winning ways and continue their hunt for promotion.
In other Leeds United news, the club’s hopes of signing an international midfielder are hanging by a thread after a top flight side’s interest.
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