Liam Cooper has made a young fans’ dream come true with a great touch before Leeds United v Arsenal.
The Scotland defender returned to the domestic scene on Sunday as Leeds United drew 0-0 with the Gunners. Cooper turned in a solid display during this match.
The Leeds United defender was solid. (Photo by Molly Darlington – Pool/Getty Images)
But it was his pre-match moment that really caught the eye. 13-year-old Elliot Metcalfe is suffering from Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare type of cancer. Through the Make A Wish Foundation, he had shown a desire to be an Elland Road mascot.
Under normal circumstances he would lead Leeds United out with the captain but with current restrictions in place due to Covid-19, mascots have been sidelined for the time being.
Cooper made sure that Elliot would still get that experience alongside sister Verity, the pair connected on a tablet which Cooper held from the tunnel all the way to the coin toss.
A class act. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
It was a touching moment and true leadership from the Leeds United captain, the Scotland international saying after the game: “Hope you all enjoyed the game Elliot.
“You stay strong young man. We are all with you and it was our pleasure to have you walk on the pitch with us. Sending all the love and strength in the world.”
The centre-back has come in for widespread praise after this brilliant touch.
I’ve said this before about Liam Cooper. He’s a class act. He’s matured so much as #lufc captain. He gets what it means, how important it is and he has become a true leader of the club. Superb pic.twitter.com/bKJjp7qelN
— Mark Wilson (@MarkWilsonRadio) November 23, 2020
Quality touch by @LUFC and @LiamCooper__ with the mascot 👏🏼
— The FM Kidd (@FmKiddy) November 22, 2020
So much love and respect for @LiamCooper__ and the rest of @LUFC team for making that little boy's dream come true to be a mascot virtually. #LeedsUnited 💙💙💙
— Jay (@JayneyMOT) November 22, 2020
Liam Cooper you have just made a young lads dream come true and he will remember it for the rest of his life! Leeds United are the best club in the world 💙👏🏻keep fighting young man 💙
— Gavin Taylor 🦏 (@flatbeatlufc) November 22, 2020
Class act as always @LiamCooper__ https://t.co/TDKy7J0d2A
— Danny Gibbons (@dannygibbons90) November 23, 2020
This made me so proud of you and the team. when my daughter ask why you were carry the ipad I had a lump in my throat telling her. Well done Skip, we all love the way you lead this magnificent team!
— Damien McKenna (@mrdmckenna) November 22, 2020
Brilliant 👏 what an good example to all young footballers you are!!Class again from Leeds
— dave (@johnker98258305) November 23, 2020
What a man! Genuinely couldn't be prouder of you and everyone at the club. Well done captain 👏👏👏👏
— John Turton (@turtfromthedon) November 22, 2020