Coops: From Unused to Unstoppable

Liam Cooper is finally realising the potential that brought him to the club over three years ago.

The centre back had been a bit part player throughout his first three seasons and was a somewhat pariah among many Leeds fans for his displays, a somewhat yesteryears Tom Lees as you will.

However, this season Captain Coops has come back from the cold to claim a starting spot and an abundance of plaudits for his performances so far.

Frozen out by what many fans would have previously stated as a dream partnership in Pontus Jansson and Kyle Bartley; Cooper only made 11 league appearances last season and had to wait his turn until a brilliant display near the end of the season against Brighton.

That was the first time I had seen Cooper's real talents, breaking up play and looking for balls out from the deep.

Now, Cooper is a mainstay in the squad and a vital member of a new and improved Leeds United squad.

We've even seen the partnership of Pontus and Coops improve the record in which Leeds kept clean sheets. Leeds are currently boasting a record of SIX clean sheets on the bounce and many of this is due to the communication between the talented defensive duo.

The 26-year old now looks here to stay at the heart of Leeds' defence having signed a new four-year deal this summer, which many fans will now be very pleased about.

Well done Coops, you've proved a lot of doubters wrong and become a terrific talent for the club, keep it going!

Have your say! Do you think Coops is a better partner for Pontus and do you think this partnership can stand the test of time?

By Ryan Ingham