Exclusive: Sheffield United’s Michael Cooper is the Championship’s Best Goalkeeper, Says Paddy Kenny

Michael Cooper has been hailed as the best goalkeeper in the Championship, with the £2m Sheffield United paid to acquire his services being described as an “absolute steal” by one of the 25-year-old’s most respected predecessors.

Previously of Plymouth Argyle, where he made 170 senior appearances and helped the club win the League One title, Cooper could find himself playing Premier League football next season after emerging as one of the most influential figures in Chris Wilder’s promotion chasing side.

United signed the Devonian for a cut price fee over the summer, exploiting the fact Cooper had entered the closing stages of his contract despite twice being named in the third tier’s team of the season.

Paddy Kenny, the former Republic of Ireland international who made over 300 senior appearances for United during his own hugely successful spell in South Yorkshire, believes that deal was a masterstroke given Cooper’s performances since.

“He’s the best ‘keeper in the division,” said Kenny, speaking exclusively to SportsBoom.com.  

“There’s no one better than Michael at this level."

“To be honest - and I mean this with all due respect to Plymouth because I know there were reasons why - but what United have got Michael for is nothing short of ridiculous in this day and age."

"They did nothing wrong but they’ve had Argyle’s pants down with that one. It’s an absolute steal when you look at how good he is.”

As well as echoing the sentiments of many United supporters, Kenny’s opinion carries extra weight given his achievements at the very highest level of the game. 

Described by legendary manager Neil Warnock as one of his best ever purchases, the now 46-year-old was capped seven times by his country and reached the top-flight with both United and Queens Park Rangers whilst also representing Leeds. 

EXCITING POTENTIAL

Having retired from the professional game in 2017, Kenny is still a regular visitor to Bramall Lane and is excited about Cooper’s potential.

“At his age, he’s only going to keep on getting better and better for the next five or six years,” Kenny said. 

“Given how good he is now, I think that’s something to think about because Michael, as a goalkeeper, is nowhere near his peak.”

“When you talk about Michael, it’s not one attribute that makes him so good. You’re talking about many attributes."

“As an ex-goalkeeper myself, his presence and demeanour really impresses me."

"Obviously he can do all the basics of the job well but he just seems unflappable and that’s a great quality to have in our position. Nothing really seems to get to him."

"He seems almost serene at times, like he’s in his own world and just totally focused on doing what he does.”

“Concentration-wise, he’s obviously top drawer because he can have nothing to do and then suddenly pull out a key save or saves,” Kenny continued. 

“If it’s nil-nil at the time, or even if there’s only one goal in the game, those stops are going to help - and will have helped - United turn potential draws or defeats into wins. Often, ‘keepers don’t get much recognition for that but they’re absolutely crucial."

“Michael isn’t the tallest, about six foot one. A while back, that might have counted against him when it shouldn’t have done because people got hung up on that kind of thing."

Now, with all the stats that get looked at when players are analysed, those prove it doesn’t affect him at all. He still takes crosses successfully, he still dominates his area physically and he still makes crucial saves.

“He’s really food with his feet too, which has become a vitally important part of the game for ‘keepers now. He can play a pass and start things off or take the ball under pressure and do something constructive with it.”

Wayne Rooney, who recently left his position as Argyle’s manager, has also spoken in glowing terms about Cooper’s technical prowess and was ready to make him Home Park’s highest paid player before United swooped.

“There’s no more talented goalkeeper in the Championship,” Kenny said. 

“Michael, in my opinion, can only get better and better.”