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‘So much strength’: BBC pundit hails £35k-a-week Leeds ace who helped his side take ‘control’ today

Leeds United captain Liam Cooper earned praise from BBC Sport pundit James McFadden in the Whites’ 4-3 triumph over Bournemouth on Saturday.

Jesse Marsch and his charges were booed off the pitch at half-time, relinquishing an early lead to trail 2-1.

Rodrigo Moreno opened the scoring for Leeds from the penalty spot in the opening minutes of the match.

Leeds United v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League
Photo by Harriet Lander/Getty Images

However, Bournemouth equalised just four minutes later through Marcus Tavernier’s back-post finish.

The same player then provided the assist for Philip Billing to fire into the roof of the Whites net on 19 minutes.

Things got even worse for Leeds and Marsch after the restart.

Tavernier got himself a second assist, crossing for Dominic Solanke to turn home with a neat finish.

However, Leeds didn’t let their heads drop, and launched a fightback that Leeds fans wouldn’t forget.

On the hour mark, Sam Greenwood curled home an absolutely outstanding effort from 20 yards out.

Then, six minutes later, Cooper rose highest from a corner to head the home side level.

McFadden, covering the game on BBC Radio 5 Live, loved what he saw from the £35,000-a-week ace.

“It’s a first good ball from a set play for Leeds, something they can go and attack,” he said, via the BBC Sport website.

“Liam Cooper shows so much strength, high ball to the back post.

“He holds his man off and makes sure he gets a connection on that.

“You felt the momentum building for Leeds and they’ve now got control of this game.

Goalkeeper, no chance of keeping it out, it’s through his legs. It’s too quick for him to try and adjust.

“Good connection with the header from Cooper, he asked a question of the keeper and he couldn’t answer it.”

And six minutes from time, Leeds completed their turnaround with a Crysencio Summerville winner.

Leeds counter-attacked following a free-kick and Wilfried Gnonto did brilliantly to carry the ball.

The 19-year-old then set up the Dutch winger to fire in, sending Elland Road wild.

Leeds United v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images

‘Gave attackers space’

Despite his crucial goal, Cooper didn’t have the best game on Saturday.

Leeds Live gave him just 5 out of 10 for his efforts against Bournemouth.

“Took his goal well, but another who struggled in the first half with Moore’s aerial presence,” they wrote.

“Got sucked out to the left side and gave attackers space in the centre.”

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