Liam Cooper picks three fittest Leeds players, likely to surprise supporters

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Liam Cooper has claimed in a Q&A session with Leeds United’s Instagram story that Pablo Hernandez is one of the three fittest players at Elland Road despite his age – before naming the two fittest earlier this week.

Leeds are renowned for being one of the fittest teams in the Championship as Marcelo Bielsa continues to make his players endure tough sessions – and sometimes double sessions. Many players have spoken about Bielsa’s regime.

Indeed, Patrick Bamford once stated that Bielsa’s training sessions were like a normal one – but everything was sprinting. Luke Ayling has once spoke of how he is no longer allowed a bowl of cereal in the evening, in order to meet a morning weigh-in.

Asked who was the best player he has played alongside, Cooper answered Hernandez and stated he is in the top three for fittest players in the club – behind Jamie Shackleton and Robbie Gotts, the latter of whom has made just one senior appearance.

“Pablo is the best, not just one the pitch but of it, too,” Cooper said. “He is a real professional, has a beautiful family, he sets an example. To be doing what he is doing now is unbelievable.

“He is probably the second or third fittest in the team behind Gottsy and Jamie Shackleton, which says everything. He is a great human, a great guy. For all young lads, be like Hernandez because you won’t go far wrong in life.”

TBR’s view – Does Gotts deserve more of a chance?

Gotts, 20, finally made his debut for Leeds earlier this year, starting against Arsenal in the FA Cup defeat – playing alongside Kalvin Phillips and Mateusz Klich. He lasted an hour.

But that is his only senior outing for the Whites, remaining an unused substitute for 18 of Leeds’ Championship fixtures this season. Bielsa has spoken about Gotts’ future in the media, claiming he would understand if the versatile ace would leave.

Yes, he deserves more of a chance. Unfortunately for Gotts, he faces competition from the likes of Shackleton, Hernandez, Tyler Roberts, Stuart Dallas and more. He may have to leave, and this summer could be an interesting one for Gotts.