Lewis Cook – Leeds United
It must be hard to make the headlines as a Leeds player, with owner Massimo Cellino managing to make them with ease on a regular basis. After another dull season finishing fifteenth, there are a few shining lights that are giving United fans hope for seasons to come. Taylor, Byram and Mowatt have all shown they have great potential, but defensive-midfielder Lewis Cook has really shown his worth after a break-through season.
Cook’s superb performances last season earned him a England u-19 call up and he was awarded the ‘Championship Apprentice of Year 2014/15.’ Don’t be fooled by him being a ‘apprentice,’ Cook performs his role with class a level-head. A key to success in the footballing world is maturity, Cook needs maturity playing in such a pivotal position. Cook allows players like Mowatt to attack and create chances while he controls the midfield. Cook’s physique allows him to go from tackle to tackle, former boss Nigel Redfearn said “He helps the back four because he’s comfortable in possession and deals with the ball well.” When Cook does venture forward, he has been praised for his ability to recover and track-back.
There was a small injury scare recently after Cook was subbed off against Hoffenheim in a pre-season friendly, but new-boss Uwe Rosler stated that it was a pre-caution and Cook is fine. It was said that some of the Leeds players might of been planning to jump ship due to the off-the-field issues, but Cook has extended his contract at Leeds. Cook told the Yorkshire Evening Post that “I’m playing, I’m enjoying my football here and I’ve always been at Leeds so I don’t know why I’d need to leave. I don’t know why anyone would think that.”
