After impressing with the Swans this season, has Oli Cooper done enough to warrant a place in Rob Page’s squad for the upcoming world cup? Ryan (@ryantom1126) makes the case. And apologies that we don”t have the usual great selection of Getty Images in this piece.
The young midfielder has been a revelation for his boyhood club since breaking into the side at the start of the season. Then bagging a respectable three goals in 15 appearances including a winning goal against old rivals Cardiff City.
The versatile midfielder can play a multitude of roles either in an advanced role in the centre or on the left-hand side.
However, his perfect blend of attacking prowess and defensive stability makes him ideal as a box-to-box role.
Cooper, who made his debut for the Swans back in January 2021 during an FA cup tie against Stevenage, has impressed many fans not only with his attacking output but also his defensive contributions.
So far this season he has averaged a remarkable 1.82 tackles per 90 minutes. Alongside an impressive 1.48 interceptions per 90 (according to Footmob).
And despite his young age, the 23-year-old has already played a significant number of games at senior level.
The Swansea academy graduate spent last season on loan with fellow Welsh side Newport County in League Two. There he made a considerable impact in a side that came close to contending in the playoffs.
Regularly featuring in a midfield diamond alongside fellow loanees Jake Cain from Liverpool and Finn Azaz from Aston Villa, Cooper cemented himself as a crowd favourite. He had nine assists and one goal during his brief spell at Rodney Parade.
It would be a bold move on Pages behalf to give a player his international debut during such a pivotal moment for Welsh football. But it wouldn’t be out of the ordinary for a manager who has made a habit of giving the youth a chance during his tenure.
During Wales Euro 2020 campaign, Page controversially called up an unknown Rubin Colwill. Even though the then 19-year-old had never featured for his country at senior level.
Embed from Getty ImagesFast forward a year later and the bright winger has cemented himself as a regular name on the squad sheet.
Whilst Colwill failed to make a single appearance at the competition, the experience he would have gained from that time would have done wonders to his development as the next big thing in Welsh football. Something which could be mirrored if Page decides to give Cooper a chance at world cup glory.
With injury worries surrounding Joe Allen’s chances of appearing at the upcoming world cup, a spot in the middle of the park could open come the end of the month. And with Cooper playing in a similar position to his fellow Swansea teammate, it might prove a wise decision for Page to call upon the youngster.