BBC pundit makes claim about Leeds goalkeeper Kiko Casilla
Noel Whelan has claimed that Kiko Casilla saved Leeds United two points in their 1-0 win against Reading on Saturday.
Casilla, 33, has faced a lot of criticism for high-profile errors in recent matches but there was no doubt at the weekend that his last-ditch save to deny Liam Moore helped the Whites cling onto all three points.
The Spaniard’s heroics are made even more remarkable when you consider it has since emerged he was nursing a hand injury in the match.
After the win, the ex-Real Madrid goalkeeper was spotted outside Elland Road wearing a wrist brace and with two of his fingers strapped together, fueling rumours about his availability for the trip to Middlesbrough this week.
BBC Radio Leeds pundit Whelan was thrilled to see Casilla producing a match-winning moment on Saturday, considering the criticism that has been aimed at him lately.
“As much as everyone has got to say about him, the mistakes he has made – he knows they have been schoolboy errors but he also knows he is a very good goalkeeper,” the former Leeds striker told Football Insider.
“He had nothing to do in the game but when he was needed, that one crucial moment when you need somebody to be concentrated throughout the 90 minutes and ready – there he was. It was as good as scoring the second goal. It saved us two points.
“He was alert and it is very easy not to be concentrating for 89 minutes of a game. It proved to everyone that despite the mistakes he has made some vital saves throughout the season.”
Casilla has now kept clean sheets in his last two matches and that is exactly the kind of thing he needs to have his confidence boosted after some dreadful mistakes earlier in the winter.
However it seems that his return to form could be hampered by injury and a possible suspension.
We are yet to know the outcome of the hearing that was held last week in relation to the FA’s charge against Casilla for racial abuse.
He’s likely to be handed a ban if he’s found guilty but the fact that he could have a hand injury might mean he is going to sit out a few games anyway.
Marcelo Bielsa is holding a press conference on Tuesday ahead of the clash against Middlesbrough and there is likely to be an update then.
In other Leeds United news, Whelan wants to see more from this midfield mainstay.