League Two’s Best Attacking Midfielder: James Coppinger

Copps and Rovers

There are plenty of footballers in DN4 who could easily represent Doncaster Rovers in The Football Lab’s League Two Team of the Season. John Marquis has scored 23 goals, Andy Butler has been aerially dominant at centre-back while Jordan Houghton added defensive balance in midfield before his injury last month.

The final word however, simply has to go to James Coppinger. Representing one club for 13 years – bar his 2012 loan spell at Nottingham Forest – is a feat rarely reached in the modern game. The way he was celebrated after scoring the last goal in a 5-1 win in his 500th game at Morecambe shows just how highly respected he is among the players.

Let us not suggest that the respect he has gained, not just at the Keepmoat but throughout League Two, is based on sentiment. To see that Coppinger has pedigree at an even higher level, one need only look at the quality of his performances and nine goals.

When Barnet visited in October, they packed their own penalty area at set pieces. When that happens, it is important players outside the box have the quality to make use of that extra yard of space, either through pin-point deliveries or firm shots at goal. Coppinger is capable of both but produced the latter, unleashing a fine volley into the bottom corner against the Bees.

He has only scored three goals since then, two of which ironically coming at the Hive in January, but he contributes a lot to the build-up play. Though he did not score against Portsmouth in January, he assisted both Marquis’ first half header and the superb second half strike from Tommy Rowe, another Player of the Season contender. Coppinger combined well with Alcock and pressed effectively, even at the age of 36.

Copps remains an asset to Donny and shows no signs of slowing down.