Karl Darlow now faces Leeds axe after what Daniel Farke told the media
Karl Darlow has filled in for the injured Lucas Perri at Leeds so far this season.
Leeds United are statistically on course for Premier League survival this season, having picked up eight points from their first seven games back in the top flight.
Several of the summer arrivals have impressed, with Anton Stach the addition that has shone the most at Elland Road.
However, several of those who featured in the Championship have also been called upon in the Premier League, and one of those who have thrived is Darlow.
Lucas Perri is likely to come straight back in for Karl Darlow
Darlow is a Wales international and has spent several years throughout his career playing in the Premier League; he is a very good option to have between the sticks.
However, given the money that Leeds paid to sign Perri and the reputation he brought with him to Elland Road, Ian Darke thinks that he is likely to come straight back into the starting 11, in place of Darlow.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, he said: “I would have thought Perri would get the place back when he’s fit again.
“They beat Everton 1-0 with him in goal, they lost to Arsenal 5-0, but you could put that to one side, I think and then the 0-0 with Newcastle.
“He’s had two clean sheets in three, he’s brought in as the number one. I would have thought that when he’s fit again, Perri will reclaim the place, but it’s good for Leeds that you know Karl Darlow can come in, and there’s not really any drop off
“It’s good for Leeds, it’s a plus for them that they’ve got a couple of goalkeepers, and it’s not a position they need to worry about.”
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How does Lucas Perri compare to Karl Darlow?
Firstly, Perri has only played three games this season, so his stats from the campaign are slightly misleading in one sense.
However, they are also far inferior to those of Darlow, who is yet to put a foot wrong since coming back into the Leeds XI.
As demonstrated above, which includes Perri’s stats last season for fairness, Darlow is comfortably the better keeper when it comes to his all-around game.
So far this season, FotMob have recorded a 37.5 per cent save percentage for the Brazilian, who has also conceded 1.99 more goals than he would be expected to based on the quality of shots faced.
That is in comparison to Darlow, who has a 66.7 per cent save percentage, but has again conceded 1.9 more goals than expected.
Both seem to be an upgrade on Illan Meslier, though that is almost four additional goals conceded as a result of goalkeeping errors, and will be something that Daniel Farke has a look at.
For now, Darlow seems to be the better option, but based on several factors, it would not be a surprise to see Perri return to the side after his injury, with Farke recently saying that he could return after the international break.
“Lucas Perri is back in team training since yesterday,” said Farke last week. “Good news, but it’s too early to involve him. We expect him after that [the international break].”
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