Every club has to have a hero and not every saviour can reap the rewards, yet Liam Cooper is about to do just that at Leeds United.
The 27-year-old was one of the first signings of the Massimo Cellino era in West Yorkshire, but unlike most who followed him through the door, only Cooper and Gaetano Berardi are still marching on together at Elland Road.
In total, the centre-back has made 149 appearances for the Whites, and what is even more remarkable than the previously criticised ace still being at the club is that his 150th game – potentially this Saturday – will be his 100th with the captain’s armband.
When our leader guides Marcelo Bielsa’s warriors out of the tunnel next, he will become just the twelfth Leeds legend to claim the honour of 100 games as captain, and could move up to 11th on the all-time list before the end of the season.
Currently, the great Billy Bremner leads the way with a remarkable 490 games as captain and it will be a long time yet before anyone gets anywhere near that total.
Trevor Cherry’s 223, Tom Burden’s 212, Jim Baker’s 208 and Gary McAllister’s 193 will take some beating, as well, but Cooper’s leadership and continual rise at Elland Road may give him a shot.
When LUFC Stats shared a post on Twitter noting Super Duper Liam Cooper’s remarkable inbound achievement, there was a lot of praise for our number six…
Hes in some good company
— Adam Barlow (@AdamPaulBarlow) March 6, 2019
Awesome!!! Do you have the order of the captains 1-12? ☺️ top work
— Danny Renwick (@renners_d) March 6, 2019
In some good company there
— Šāmūēł (@Samheadhouse) March 6, 2019
Points per game (PPG) with @LiamCooper__ this season = 2.04. PPG without Cooper = 1.33. Win % with = 60%. Win % without = 41%. @NothingButLUFC
— //Andrew Rodgers ☘ (@AndyNRodgers) March 6, 2019
Amazing stat this. A player who most of us only ever really rated as a 3rd choice at best, and who has been one of the best centre halves in the league this season. https://t.co/82oKFBm5yN
— Bobby (@bobby_wilson1) March 6, 2019
Kalvin and Liam have improved an unbelievable amount under Bielsa.
— Josh Hobbs (@JoshAHobbs) March 6, 2019
Considering the stick he has been given over the years it’s amazing this stat. He is a fantastic professional for the club
— Barney ™ (@BarneyStuart21) March 6, 2019
Agree there Barney. Proved us all wrong. He’s been a Credit to the club this season. Turned into a very good captain.
— Diddlysquat (@markrikko) March 6, 2019
He’s grown as the club has grown. He was there in the dark years and I hope he can celebrate come the end of the season.
— Rob Wilkinson (@Robbydeux) March 6, 2019
That pictures says it all! Unsung hero ????
— Woody (@alphacenturee) March 6, 2019