David Prutton believes Liam Cooper’s return to Leeds United’s starting XI could actually be beneficial.
Prutton was writing in his latest weekly column for the Yorkshire Evening Post, where he discussed what Pascal Struijk’s absence from the team could mean for the Whites.
Struijk has played every minute of every game in the Championship so far this season but will be missing from the side that faces Plymouth Argyle this afternoon.
The 24-year-old, who has been captaining the side in both Cooper and Luke Ayling’s absence, underwent surgery on a hernia issue that has been plaguing him for a few weeks, after last week’s win at Leicester City.
Cooper is, of course, the natural replacement for Struijk in defence, but has played just 28 minutes of football since a 3-1 defeat at Southampton on September 30.
Prutton believes Cooper return is a positive for Leeds
Reflecting on what his anticipated return to the side may mean, Prutton believes his ‘experience’ and ability to ‘marshal a defence’ can ‘only be a positive thing for Leeds’.
He wrote: “But there’s a few more miles and years on the clock for Coops and I mean that in the most respectful of ways because I think he’s been a true leader at Leeds.
“He’s been in this division before and he knows how to marshal a defence and get them out of the Championship so I’d hesitate to use the word ‘replacement’. For someone to come in with his experience, that can only be a positive thing for Leeds.”
Struijk is going to be seriously missed at the back for Leeds as he has quickly established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the division this season.
He is also crucial to the way Daniel Farke wants to play due to his superb ability to progress the ball from the back.
However, Cooper is a more than able deputy for a game or two and as Prutton eluded to, his experience should comfortably get him through this upcoming period.
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