“Feels like a big boost for Ipswich and Sheffield Wednesday” – Plymouth Argyle handed major setback: The verdict | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Plymouth Argyle goalkeeper Michael Cooper will miss the rest of the season due to injury.

The 23-year-old has been arguably the best keeper in League One this term and is a key player for the Pilgrims.

Callum Burton will step in as his replacement as Steven Schumacher’s side continue their promotion push.

But how big of a blow is it?

Our FLW writers share their thoughts…

Ned Holmes

This is an absolutely massive blow for Plymouth.

Michael Cooper is, for me, one of the best goalkeepers in the whole of the EFL and arguably Argyle’s most important player. It’s worth noting what a shame it is for such an exciting prospect as well.

Take nothing away from Callum Burton and I’m excited to see how he steps up but Cooper has been vital to the Pilgrims’ promotion push this term and you have to be concerned about them continuing it without him.

It looks likely to be very, very tight up the top come the end of the 2022/23 so narrow margins like this could make all the difference.

One of Argyle’s strengths is what a tight nit group they are so you hope they can bounce back from this and that Burton can step up but the injury to Cooper feels like a big boost for Ipswich and Sheffield Wednesday.

Justin Peach

Cooper has been by far one of the best goalkeepers in League One, if not the best.

Moreover, he’s perhaps one of the brightest prospects right now in the EFL, so losing him for the rest of the season is undoubtedly a blow for Plymouth.

However, losing a goalkeeper isn’t quite as significant as losing your top goalscorer, as it’s an easier position to replace.

With Callum Burton, they have a stopper who is more than capable of stepping up into the first team. Firstly, he’s entering his peak years and having been number two under Cooper, he will be desperate to stake his claim.

Not only that, but he has had experience of being a number one at Cambridge United, so he’s not a novice.

Losing Cooper is a huge blow for Argyle, but considering they boast one of the better defences in the league, it’s a scenario they will be equipped to handle.

Quiz: Are these 20 Plymouth Argyle facts real or fake?

1 of 20

Macaulay Gillesphey has played for Carlisle United

True False

Brett Worthington

This is a massive blow for Plymouth Argyle.

Cooper has been an ever-present for Argyle this season, featuring in all their league games up until this injury. The 23-year-old has been instrumental in Plymouth becoming an automatic promotion contender in League One, keeping the joint third most clean sheets in the league this season.

Cooper has been a consistent presence in between the sticks for Plymouth for three seasons now, and with it getting to the business end of the season, this could have a big impact on how the rest of the campaign plays out for Argyle.

In football, it is all about building partnerships and developing trust, and this Plymouth defence have done this with Cooper behind them, and a sudden change like this could potentially upset that familiarity. Callum Burton will have big shoes to fill, and Plymouth boss Steven Schumacher will hope this doesn’t change their excellent season so far.