Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch has insisted Liam Cooper will have a big part to play this season. Cooper made his return to the side on Wednesday as he played 45 minutes of Leeds’ 3-1 win over Barnsley in the Carabao Cup second round.
But for the first time in a number of seasons, Cooper looks set to have a real fight on his hands to be a regular at the heart of the defence. Both Robin Koch and Diego Llorente have enjoyed strong starts to the season, while Pascal Struijk has also looked impressive out of position at left back.
The former two have struggled with injuries during their time at Leeds but, touch wood, look in the best condition they have ever been in at Elland Road. Speaking in his pre-Brighton press conference, Marsch admits both Koch and Llorente have done ‘really well’ in the opening matches, but is in no doubt Cooper will be a key player this season.
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He said: “Liam is going to play a big role in the team no matter what. But, yeah, Diego and Robin have done really well. I told Liam even before we put him on the pitch, he hadn't trained much before this match and he it was the same when he came back from his injury in the spring and when he came back again the second time after he picked up a little knee injury.
“Every time we put him on the pitch he plays flawlessly almost. So in terms of a mentality and being a professional and a leader, he's the best I've ever seen. We will need him. Trust me, he will be used and he will be needed.”
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