Pundit swipes at Bielsa after what he’s seen from Leeds star Cooper this week
Liam Cooper will provide a much-needed boost to the Leeds defence after impressing while on Scotland duty.
That’s according to former West Ham hitman, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the “outstanding” defender.
Cooper, 30, played the full 90 minutes as Scotland secured a place in next year’s World Cup qualifying play-offs with a win over Denmark on Tuesday.
The centre-half has played every minute of the Whites’ Premier League season with the club three points away from the relegation zone.
McAvennie insists Cooper will be full of confidence ahead of a return to club football and will provide Leeds with a much-needed boost.
“Liam Cooper was outstanding for Scotland,” McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“Souttar stole the headlines with his goal but Cooper marshalled that backline brilliantly.
“I think he’s a bit underrated and I think he’s one player who can’t be criticised for the side’s poor form this season.
“When Cooper is asked to defend, he’s fantastic. I think asking him to do any more than that is too much for him.
“I’m not having a go at Bielsa or anything, but that’s just the way Cooper is.
“If Leeds are going to stay up, then Cooper needs to play every game in the heart of that defence.
“He should come back to Leeds full of confidence after his performance against Denmark.”
Leeds are next in action against Tottenham on Sunday.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side have only won two Premier League games from 11 so far this season.
In other news, Billy Gilmour has been told to sign for Leeds United by pundit after Tuchel’sd reveal.