Danny Murphy has told TalkSPORT that Leeds United look like a Championship side without trio Max Wober, Tyler Adams and interestingly, captain Liam Cooper. The latter has been on the bench for our last five League matches.
Leeds have lost three of the last four games now, conceding 16 goals in that time. Four to Arsenal, five to Palace, six against Liverpool and one in the win over Nottingham Forest. The last two games, Leeds have been embarrassing.
Woeful, even. Against Liverpool, we were decent for the first 30 minutes but following that was a travesty. A team that looked beleaguered of confidence – aside from Luis Sinisterra’s goal. A team with no fight, lacking intensity.
Murphy gave his take and believes Leeds are lacking a couple of key players that make the team so much better. Indeed, in the form of Wober and Adams. Wober was on the bench against Liverpool and could be fit for Saturday.
Adams remains sidelines for the majority of the season after hamstring surgery. But Murphy also believes that we are a poorer side without Cooper in the starting XI. He says Leeds look like a second-tier club without the three.
“The last two weeks have destroyed some confidence, they really have. They look tonight without their better players like [Maximilian] Wober, like [Liam] Cooper, Tyler Adams, they look like a Championship side,” Murphy said.
Danny Murphy says Leeds look like a Championship side without trio
Obviously, Leeds are a better team with Wober and Adams. Losing Wober for the last month has been a real blow. Pascal Struijk has not made any glaring errors – but he is far below the standard of the Austria international.
Adams has arguably been our best player this season. So, to lose him for the run in is equally as crushing. Having Adam Forshaw back at least gives Marc Roca and Weston McKennie some respite. But, losing Adams is enormous.
But it is interesting that Murphy believes Leeds are a better side with Cooper in the team. He might not technically be one of our better players, and he is hardly quick. But his leadership and experience are crucial for this side.
