Lucas Perri and Karl Darlow dealt Leeds ‘pressure’ warning by ex-England goalkeeper
Leeds have enjoyed an encouraging start to life back in the Premier League, at least from a defensive standpoint.
The Whites have kept two clean sheets in their first four Premier League games. That would have been three if it hadn’t been for Gabriel Gudmundsson’s outrageous stoppage-time own goal against Fulham.
Leeds were thrashed 5-0 by Arsenal as well, meaning they’ve conceded six Premier League goals in total, but they can mostly be pleased with their defensive performances so far.
Former England goalkeeper David James reveals the problem damaging Leeds’ goalkeepers
Leeds signed Brazilian goalkeeper Lucas Perri this summer in a bid to become more solid defensively.
He adapted to life in the Premier League very well with two clean sheets before picking up an injury that ruled him out of the Fulham game.
Karl Darlow deputised in that game and was within a whisker of a shutout before Gudmundsson’s freak error.
In an interview with The Yorkshire Post, former England goalkeeper David James backed Darlow to continue performing well in Perri’s absence.
However, he was keen to point out a key issue that will make life harder for both Darlow and Perri this season.
He said: “I think the pressure is, as it is for all the teams going up, is to try and get some points in the bag early doors. It looks like teams, Leeds included, are trying to stay in the game and hopefully nick something at the end like they did against Everton.
“I think that puts more pressure on the goalkeepers. It was very unfortunate Karl Darlow didn’t get a clean sheet against Fulham.”
What’s happened to Illan Meslier?
Illan Meslier remains a Leeds United player, but it appears as if Daniel Farke has no desire to use him in the Premier League this season.
The French stopper was Leeds’ number one throughout last season, with Farke publicly backing him after some high-profile errors.
However, in the summer, it appears that the German manager lost faith in his goalkeeper.
- He spent big money to buy Perri from Lyon
- He has chosen Darlow as the replacement now that Perri is injured
- It was rumoured all summer that Meslier would be sold.
Media speculation suggests that Inter Milan want to sign Meslier on a free transfer next summer. That would be some upgrade for him. For now, it seems he’ll be lucky to earn a place on the Leeds bench.
James, who earned 53 England caps, couldn’t help but comment on the Frenchman’s situation in his interview.
He said that Meslier’s downfall “frustrated” him and that he had the potential to be “best goalkeeper people have seen for years”.
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