Ex-Leeds man Paul Robinson has suggested that Liam Cooper should make his return against Liverpool.
The Whites host Jurgen Klopp’s side on Monday night in another key game in the battle to avoid relegation. After a humiliating 5-1 defeat against Crystal Palace, Javi Gracia will be desperate to get a result to steady the ship.
Club captain Cooper has made just one appearance during Gracia’s reign after being brought off the bench for the final 15 minutes in a 4-1 loss at Arsenal. However, Robinson believes the defender’s experience could make the difference on Monday.
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Cooper’s time at Elland Road looks to be coming to an end after 261 appearances for the club with the 31-year-old currently out of favour. Leeds will no doubt be looking for a long-term replacement for him in the summer.
The former shot-stopper has been critical of both Pascal Struijk and Robin Koch who have been playing regularly instead of the Scotland international.
“The back four has been so awful in recent games with the goals they’ve conceded in recent games and he’s got the club captain and extremely experienced international central defender sat on the bench,” Robinson told MOT Leeds News.
“He’s got to play against Liverpool in place of Struijk or Koch; they can’t play together. They both play better when they’re alongside Liam Cooper.
“You can’t expect to ride with the same team and expect that things will be different. You have to make changes.”
Liverpool, who are 12 points off a Champions League spot, are also desperate for a victory and will be encouraged by the return of winger Luis Diaz.
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