‘Brilliant’ – Exclusive: Paul Robinson thrilled by early Leeds team news v Fulham
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Paul Robinson thinks that Liam Cooper will come back into the Leeds starting XI to play Fulham today and hailed the brilliance of the 28-year-old centre-back.
Cooper has missed the last three games through injury but is now ‘chomping at the bit‘ to make his return.
Bielsa confirmed that Cooper was fit for Fulham and would be in the squad, although he stopped short of saying he would start.
Robinson is in no doubt, though, and said the partnership between the “brilliant” Cooper and Ben White is “very important” for Leeds.
Talking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said, “Bielsa hasn’t confirmed whether he’s going to play three or four at the back against Fulham, but if Cooper is fit, he’ll come back in place of Berardi.
“Cooper has come on so much under Bielsa. I think they all have, I think he’s improved them all and you see how Bielsa works on the training ground. He has different groups all over the training ground doing different things, he gets the best out of the players because he gets them to the peak of their fitness.
“I think he (Cooper) is one that has really brought into the Bielsa way. He’s got a good relationship with the manager and his performances have shown that.
“He’s done a great job as captain and has been brilliant alongside Ben White – that’s what really important from your centre-half partnership.”
Leeds travel to Craven Cottage to take on promotion rivals Fulham in the 3pm kick-off on Saturday.
They’ve built up a 12-point lead over their promotion rivals, helped by the fact that Fulham have lost their last three games in a row.
Leeds are unbeaten in 11 games and they’ve won eight of those. A win for Leeds today would be a massive step towards the Premier League.
In other Leeds United news… ‘Massive’ – BBC pundit delivers exciting QSI update as Leeds takeover talks progress