Marsch could already have Leeds' next Liam Cooper in "really strong" 17 y/o colossus - opinion

Leeds United could already have their next Liam Cooper within their youth ranks.

The Whites’ U23 setup were unfortunately relegated from Premier League 2 this season but in their most recent outing, a 2-2 draw against Arsenal’s academy, there was one youngster who impressed in Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen.

‘Some brilliant tackles and blocks as the last man or in the penalty box during a goalmouth scramble or two. Could have won it with some dancing feet of his own in the latter stages,’ wrote LeedsLive reporter Beren Cross, who also graded him an 8/10 in his post-match ratings.

No player was rated higher and it was even better than first-teamer Jamie Shackleton and the likes of Leo Hjelde and Nohan Kenneh.

The 17-year-old, who turns 18 in June, signed his first professional contract at Elland Road back in the summer, penning a deal until 2023. Despite being in his late teens, Mullen will be part of the U23s squad permanently going forward.

Indeed, he has made 11 appearances at centre-back in Premier League 2. His form and potential has caught the eye at the international level too, as he has seemingly emerged as a regular for Scotland U19s.

“I’m a player who reads the game quite well and I like to defend on the front foot, I want to keep learning under the coaching staff and become a better player in general,” the talented youngster revealed to Leeds’ official website.

Meanwhile, ex-defender Ben Parker has been left impressed by the teenager, telling the LS11 podcast in January 2021: “Young Mullen came in at centre-half. He’s a player who we snapped up from Liverpool, predominantly he’s been with the under-18s. Only a young lad. I thought he did ever so well with Cresswell.”

Also lauded as “really strong” by his former youth