Liam Cooper For The Axe – Kyle Bartley And Pontus Jansson The Perfect First Choice Defenders For Leeds United

Garry Monk’s men have been impressive this season, finding their way to 4^th place in the table and looking up, rather than down. They are almost as close to Newcastle at the top as they are to Fulham, who are just outside the play-off places, but one last push is needed to avoid; what would be a massive disappointment should they fail to finish in the top 6.

Much of their recent successes have been based on very sound defensive displays. Good full-backs have been Leeds’ bread and butter in recent years with Stephen Warnock, the departed Sam Byram and now the excellent Charlie Taylor all having been impressive out wide. It is the centre of the defence which has always troubled the Elland Road side.

All of that has changed now. In Kyle Bartley, Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper, Leeds have an embarrassment of riches at the back. The question of which two defenders should start is a question that has been surfacing lately, as they push to keep their promotion hopes alive.

Liam Cooper has now been called up to the Scotland squad for their upcoming games against Canada and Slovenia and is fast emerging as a top defensive prospect. Timing could be everything for the man born in Hull; his recent appearance in a win against Brighton drew praise from manager Garry Monk and another strong display, should he be given the nod for Scotland would surely put him right at the front of the queue.

Kyle Bartley has done his cause no harm either. The man on loan from Swansea has played more than any other outfield player. His impressive stats include 4 goals and 2 assists to go along with his sterling defensive efforts and competent passing ability. It’s hard to find a weakness in his play.

As impressive as the other two are; it’s hard to get away from the quality of Pontus Jansson.  Arguably Leeds’ best player this season, the 6’5” centre back is an imposing figure. With a passing accuracy higher than any of Leeds’ midfielders, he is cool headed when in possession and is aggressive in the air and in the tackle. It would be hard to leave him out and given the great partnership he has struck up with Kyle Bartley, it’s easy to imagine Monk keeping the partnership going, despite the quality and potential of Cooper.

Bartley and Jansson are the winners!