Leeds United captain Liam Cooper believes it’s been difficult to lose arguably their ‘two best players’, but wishes both Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips ‘nothing but success’.
Liam Cooper was a few months into his maiden season at Elland Road when Phillips was promoted from the academy and presented with his first team debut in 2015.
The pair won promotion together via the Championship title in 2020 and have been major pillars of the side's success over the last several years. Raphinha, albeit during a shorter spell, also left an indelible mark at Leeds.
The Brazilian international was not only just a scorer of goals, but also a scorer of great goals. He netted 17 times in 65 appearances in the Premier League and finished as the Whites’ leader goal scorer last term with 11 goals in total.
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“It’s difficult for any club to lose, you could say, the two best players,” Cooper told Sky Sports. “Rapha came in from day one and I think he lit up the Premier League. He definitely lit up the training ground and the facility here as well.
“With Kalvin, I’ve seen him develop into an amazing young man and an unbelievable football player. It was sad to see them go, we were all gutted but they go with our best wishes.
“What they did for our club, especially Rafa in the short time, but more Kalvin. He’s seen everything. He’s seen this club in a very bad place. We’ve been promoted together and he’s kept us up last season as well.
“They go with our best wishes and we wish them nothing but success at their next clubs.”
Raphinha has been a roaring success for Barcelona during pre-season – scoring two goals and providing two assists. His long-range rocket, which proved to be the winner in the El Clasico against bitter rivals Real Madrid, has made him an instant hit with the supporters.
Phillips has featured less prominently for Manchester City in pre-season. He appeared from the bench in victories over Club America and Bayern Munich respectively but was an unused substitute as City lost 3-1 against Liverpool in the Community Shield.
However, the 26-year-old could potentially make his debut when City travel to the London Stadium to face West Ham United on Sunday. Raphinha will have to wait a little longer for his competitive bow for Barca, as they open their new La Liga season with a visit from Rayo Vallecano on August 13.
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