'Strong, fearless and a leader' - how Scottish national media rated Leeds United captain Liam Cooper against Denmark - YEP 16/11/21
Leeds United captain Liam Cooper enjoyed another famous night in a Scotland shirt as Steve Clarke's men beat Denmark 2-0 at Hampden.
By Graham Smyth
The victory ensured the Tartan Army will play at home in the
World Cup Qualifying play-offs in March and Cooper played a big part, on the
occasion of his 13th international cap.
It was Cooper's back post header that set up John Souttar
for the opening goal, before Southampton striker and former Leeds transfer
target Che Adams raced clear to score a fine second.
Cooper's display came in for praise in the Scottish media,
with a suggestion that it was sufficient to keep him in the starting XI even
when Grant Hanley returns from injury.
David Irvine of The Herald rated Cooper as 8/10, adding:
"Strong, fearless and a leader among the central defenders. Kept Cornelius
quiet and made some crucial clearing headers as Denmark searched for a
leveller. Made his mark in the opposition box too teeing up Souttar’s
opener."
Leeds United well represented on the international stage last night.https://t.co/2eedFA9T89#lufc
— Leeds United News (@LeedsUnitedYEP) November 16, 2021
The Scotsman's Craig Fowler also had Cooper at 8.10. He
said: "Another who was excellent at the back. Put in a number of key
blocks and interceptions."
Cooper received a 7/10 rating from the Daily Record and 8/10
from Football Scotland, whose writer Euan Robertson wrote: "Solid
throughout. A reliable performer in Grant Hanley's absence and should arguably
continue to start ahead of the Norwich City man. Excellent assist for Souttar's
opener and put his body on the line to preserve Scotland's clean sheet."
Ace Football rated Cooper as 8/10, BBC readers scored him at
8.35 and Whoscored.com's rating was 8.10. Only goalscorer Souttar received a
higher rating on Whoscored.com.
