Liam Cooper compares Leeds ace to Barcelona icon after Elland Road win v Preston
Liam Cooper was pleased to see Leeds United edge another step closer to promotion with a 2-1 win against Preston on Saturday.
After a three-game winless run, Leeds have now won two matches on the bounce, with Manor Solomon and Jayden Bogle’s goals earning them all three points against Preston at Elland Road on 12 April.
Daniel Farke’s side are now on course to seal promotion as Championship winners as they sit atop the table with four games left.
Cooper was keeping a close eye on the proceedings in West Yorkshire on Saturday, as he heaped praise on Karl Darlow after the game.
The defender may no longer be a Leeds player, but it is evident that he stays in touch with his former teammates in LS11, as another player received plaudits from him after the win against the Lilywhites.
Cooper stunned by Ilia Gruev in Leeds win v Preston
Another player who impressed in Leeds’ 2-1 win against Preston was Ilia Gruev, who, apart from guarding Farke’s defence, provided the assist for Solomon’s goal.
The Bulgaria international later took to social media to express his delight at helping the West Yorkshire take another step towards automatic promotion.
The post drew a reaction from some of his teammates, including Solomon, Junior Firpo and Alex Cairns.
| Accurate Passes | Chances Created | Touches | Big Chances Missed | Accurate Crosses | Duels Won |
| 59/65 (1st) | 2 | 71 | 1 | 1/2 | 1/2 |
Cooper was among those who tipped their hat to the 24-year-old and his comment stood out among the rest, as he compared the Leeds ace to Sergio Busquets.
Heaping praise on the Leeds ace, Cooper wrote on Instagram (12 April): “Bulgarian Busquets! Another one ticked off brother.”
Gruev shines at Elland Road
It is worth noting that Leeds failed to win each of the last three Championship games in which Gruev did not feature.
Whereas, the Farke’s side have picked up six points in the last two matches in which Gruev has started, and that is no coincidence.
The midfielder was particularly impressive against Preston on Saturday, and it is no surprise that Cooper likened him to Busquets, although the comparison might still be exaggerated.