‘Solid’ Karl Darlow backed to impress for Leeds United despite lack of top-level experience
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United …
Karl Darlow would be a “solid” replacement for Illan Meslier at Leeds United even if he may lack top-level experience as a goalkeeper, according to Paul Robinson.
The Newcastle United goalkeeper was set to arrive at Elland Road on Friday (28 July) to undergo a medical [Craig Hope], with Darlow likely to be coming in for Meslier, who has been linked with an Elland Road exit.
At 32 years old, Darlow has had plenty of experience in the Championship with Nottingham Forest, Newcastle and most recently on loan with Hull City last season, but has lacked Premier League experience due to spending most of his Newcastle career as a back-up.
However, Robinson has backed Darlow to be influential at Leeds due to his impactful role at Hull and his “good pedigree”. While Leeds United will not be in the Premier League next season, having a top-flight ready shot-stopper would go a long way in the Whites’ promotion bid.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said: “Listen, Darlow is a good goalkeeper. He’s got a very good pedigree. He’s got a lot of experience but possibly hasn’t played enough first-team football at the top level that he would have liked to have done.
“You look at the clubs that he’s been at, he had a very good season at Hull City last year, who turned their season around after they were looking at relegation earlier on.
“Hull were around the bottom three, bottom four, but they pulled it around. Darlow played in the team and he was a big part of that last year and I think the experience he’s got is good and, obviously, he has been in and around at the top level.
“Meslier departing will be a blow but it’s one of the players that you would expect to leave.
“When you’re in the Championship you lose your so-called better players and you sell players for a price, but I’ve always been a big admirer of Darlow.
“If Meslier is not going to stay, somebody like Darlow with his experience (is ideal). He is 32 but goalkeepers can play for a lot longer now.
“I mean, you look at him, he’s not played that much at the top, top level, but he played in the Championship last year. He’s a good goalkeeper, he’s a solid goalkeeper.”
In other Leeds United news, Daniel Farke has been told where he must improve his new squad as the club look to return to the Premier League.