Liam Cooper has admitted that he would have to back Leeds United teammate Gaetano Berardi in a ‘Royal Rumble’ if he had to pick one member of the Elland Road squad.
Leeds are currently on lockdown following the outbreak of coronavirus, with Marcelo Bielsa’s side kicking their heels and awaiting the green light to restart their promotion push; currently Leeds sit top of the Championship table and nine games away from the Premier League.
However, this enforced break has given Cooper the chance to sit down with Leeds’ media team, where he’s answered questions directed to him by fans.
One supporter has quizzed the skipper who would win an ‘LUFC Royal Rumble’, with Cooper’s answer unsurprisingly Gaetano Berardi.
"I don't think it'll be any surprise to anyone, but Berra,” Cooper stated.
“I don't think anyone would go near him, and he'd probably be last man standing without having to do a thing. And, whoever is left standing, would have a hell of a lot to deal with.”
Despite a comical admission about the Swiss defender, Cooper was full of praise for Berardi and earmarked him as a role model for Leeds’ young academy players.
“He's a great lad, he's quiet, but when he goes out on that pitch, he's an animal,” Cooper continued.
“He's a man of few words, but he leads by example in the way he performs and conducts himself around the place. For all the young lads coming through, he's definitely the way you should be, get your head down and give everything."
QUIZ: Where did these 15 Leeds United players join the club from?
The Verdict
As Cooper states, this is a very little surprise to any Leeds United fan.
Berardi is the ‘hardman’ of Bielsa’s squad, with his reputation spreading across the Championship.
He can be reckless and pick up unnecessary red cards, but as Cooper states, his intentions are all there and he’s a valued member of Bielsa’s squad, despite not playing as much as he might like.
Thoughts? Let us know!
Missing football!? There's still plenty of Leeds discussion going on in the Vital Leeds Forum! Click here to get involved!