Liam Cooper exit prediction made at Leeds United as Elland Road exodus continues
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Paul Robinson has backed Leeds United to utilise an experienced defence as “nine times out of ten” it will get a club promoted from the Championship.
Despite a wave of quality defensive departures, including Robin Koch and Diego Llorente, the club still have the likes of Luke Ayling and Liam Cooper who know the second division well.
Leeds’ top remit for the upcoming season will be promotion and manager Daniel Farke’s job will likely be on the line if this is not achieved, so the German is not likely to take any risks.
Robinson has backed Leeds’ remaining old guard to be the foundation of a solid and promotion-worthy defence while encouraging further signings of a similar profile.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds United, Robinson said: “Experience is the key to getting out of the Championship.
“We’ve seen teams get out of the Championship, last year Burnley for example, that use the loan system very well with Vincent Kompany’s contacts. You have to get that right, and he did as his recruitment at Burnley was excellent.
“It’s not always the case that you get it right straight away. Nine times out of ten an experienced defence can get you out of it. Leeds’ defence was their biggest problem last year. Regardless of what league they were in, it had to be addressed this year.
“But with them being in the Championship and Luke Ayling and Liam Cooper staying on, two leaders in the dressing room. You build a solid defence around those two, who are more than capable in the Championship. They’ve seen it all before and they’ve done it all before, and those types of players will get you up.
“The defence last year was the weakest in the Premier League, they shipped far too many goals and it was one of the if not the, biggest reasons they got relegated.
“So it was something that had to be addressed this season. Personally, you look towards experience. The links with Nat Phillips, Charlie Taylor, those types of players who know how to play in the Championship, I think that’s what the manager will look for. That’s the whole reason why he was brought in.“