Commentator brands Leeds United defender as ‘magnificent’ during second half at Rotherham

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Sky Sports commentator Don Goodman has hailed Liam Cooper for a block he made in the second half of Leeds United’s draw against Rotherham United on Friday night – branding him “magnificent”.

Cooper, 32, started for the second time in a row at The New York Stadium as Leeds looked to make it four wins in a row. Crysencio Summerville got us off to the perfect start, with a gorgeous curling shot.

But there were some questionable performances on the night. Junior Firpo looked rusty, Joel Piroe was quiet and even Georginio Rutter – despite his assist – looked as though he was playing with an injury.

Leeds dominated the ball without really creating too many chances in the first 45 and in injury time, Rotherham struck. Hakeem Odoffin with the goal. Rotherham started the better in the second 45, too.

It was Cooper, and his experience, that saved Leeds from going behind. A mistake from the normally reliable Ethan Ampadu saw Sam Nombe shoot past Illan Meslier – the Frenchman losing his bearings.

Don Goodman brands Liam Cooper ‘magnificent’ for Leeds block

The low shot was curling towards goal but Cooper got himself in the way, sorting his feet out in time to clear the shot away – a wonderful bit of defending from the skipper. Goodman was co-commentating.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ coverage of the clash at Rotherham, Goodman heaped praise on the Leeds man for his experience, and intelligence to go beyond Meslier and get his body between ball and goal.

“That is unbelievable. A captain’s save. Nombe sprints, I actually thought the referee was going to pull him up for handball. But look at Cooper, getting round on the cover. Magnificent, sniffs out the danger.”