Paul Robinson shares concerns about Leeds United, explains why club could be in trouble

Add as preferred source on Google

Paul Robinson has told Sky Sports News (11.55am, Wednesday) that he believes Leeds United could be “in trouble” this season if one of Liam Cooper or Ben White suffer an injury – with the duo’s partnership key to any success.

White, 21, joined the club at the start of the summer on a season-long loan from Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion, and has shone in his first four appearances for the Yorkshire outfit in their bid from promotion from the Championship.

He has helped Leeds keep two clean sheets in those four matches, and given the Whites an increased ability to play out from the back. His ability on the ball is the kind of quality you would expect from a midfielder.

Leeds are lacking in depth at the back and ex-Whites goalkeeper Robinson is hoping White and captain Cooper can stay fit, as he believes the two players can form a strong partnership. But if one suffers an injury, Robinson believes Leeds are “in trouble”.

“Strength in depth, yeah, I’m worried,” Robinson said. “But Bielsa has gone on record saying he likes to work with a smaller squad. Defensively, they are light. The signing of ben White is an oustanding one.

“He is a modern-day, ball-playing centre-half. He’s not frightened of a tackle. Him and Liam Cooper will form a formidable partnership. Should one of those players get injured, I think Leeds are in trouble. It is something that the manager wants to do.”

TBR’s view – Robinson hits the nail on the head, a concern for Leeds

Robinson is bang on. White and Cooper’s partnership is already blossoming, proving to be head and shoulders above the other centre-back partnerships in the division.

But there is little back-up for White and Cooper. Gaetano Berardi and Pascal Struijk are the next options, while Luke Ayling and Kalvin Phillips can play at the heart of the defence. But they are some way below the quality of the aforementioned duo.

Cooper has a knock and it remains to be seen if he is fit for Wednesday night’s outing against Brentford.