Leeds United centre-half Liam Cooper is a regular go-to for criticism on social media channels following matches, and the 26-year-old was a hot topic of conversation again following our 3-1 victory over Stoke City.
Opening the Championship campaign of 2018/19 with a storming victory on Elland Road soil in new manager Marcelo Bielsa’s competitive bow in the dugout, fans couldn’t have been more delighted with what they saw.
Both the quality on display from the side, but also the attitude – blocks and digging in, allied to chasing lost causes. Ultimately, we thoroughly deserved the three points on the day and plenty are hoping that’s a sign of things to come for the rest of the year now.
With Cooper not new to criticism, fair’s fair, he deserved every single plaudit he received following the game as fans took to their mobile phones to express their delight at the result, and his individual showing hadn’t gone unnoticed.
Excellent performances all round today but Cooper would be the pick of them I think. Phillips seemed to thrive in the role he's been given too (allowing for the tangle which led to the penalty). As for Roofe, a credit to him that Bamford didn't even make it off the bench.
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) August 5, 2018
You know it! ????????????
— ArkansasLUFC (@BStacksLUFC) August 5, 2018
Cooper 20+ goals this season
— Bielsa’s Big Blue Bucket (@vidukabazooka) August 5, 2018
Couldn’t agree more! Cooper was phenomenal
— Ciaran Harvey (@CiaranJackH) August 5, 2018
I am one of his critics and I haven’t shut up! Yes he played well today and yes it was good to see, but last season he went missing so often and his mental tackles that got him sent off were appalling. If he can sustain today’s standard from now then he has redeemed himself well
— Dave (@mcbdave) August 5, 2018
That should keep the Cooper and Phillips haters at bay for a bit ????????????????
— KMegson (@kdmegson) August 5, 2018
Cooper was excellent today. Hope he carries on in this way!
— David Stuart (@whiterosedave) August 5, 2018
I’m with you on that Phil @LiamCooper__ was absolutely solid. Class
— Nick Ringrose (@NickRingrose) August 5, 2018
With Pontus Jansson still to return to contention things should only improve in the backline in time as well.