Leeds Super Fans slam Cooper but gush over Struijk after Bielsa comments
This is part of a regular series from our panel of Leeds United Super Fans. Each week, Super Fans from our Leeds Insider Facebook page will deliver their verdicts on the biggest talking points and news stories around Elland Road.
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Leeds United Super Fans have been criticising Liam Cooper and singing the praises of Pascal Struijk after Marcelo Bielsa commented on the defensive pair.
Struijk has taken Cooper’s place in the side in recent games due to the Whites captain being suspended, before missing the victory over Tottenham due to injury.
And the 21-year-old has impressed alongside Diego Llorente, leading some fans to suggest he deserves a permanent place in the team.
As for Bielsa, the Leeds boss cannot decide who is the better out option out of the pair, and recognises the fact they have both made positive contributions to the team.
Bielsa was asked who he prefers in his Burnley pre-match conference, but he could not give a definitive answer.
As quoted by The Yorkshire Post, he said, “Pascal has had very good performances and Cooper as our captain has also had great performances but over a long period of time. Both things are valuable.
“This sudden emergence of Pascal and everything Cooper has done establishes a big difference.
“As you can see, I can’t give you a concrete response because I also don’t have an absolute idea but what is ideal is that for any one position you have more than one option.”
Our Super Fans argued differently however, and were quite passionate in their responses, particularly when it came to vilifying Cooper.
Here were some of the responses attacking the skipper.
Not everyone had a go at Cooper though, and some of the replies focused solely on Struijk, and how good he could be in the future.
He has made remarkable progress this year given his inexperience coming into the season, especially as he struggled in games like Cardiff away last term.
We are delighted for the centre-back and hope he continues to improve playing alongside international defenders.
He could become one of those himself as Belgium manager Roberto Martinez is keen to lure him away from the Netherlands.
Either way, there is plenty to be positive about Struijk, and we are excited to see how he performs for us in the coming years.
In other Leeds United news, Victor Orta could land the next hidden gem if Leeds strike deal for Brazilian youngster.