Richard Sutcliffe: Leeds could have put Kiko Casilla in ‘shop window’ v Southampton
Richard Sutcliffe believes that Leeds United could have been placing Kiko Casilla in the “shop window” with his start against Southampton.
The veteran Spaniard made numerous good saves on his way to keeping a clean sheet in the 2-0 win at St Mary’s last night.
Stepping in for Phil Hay on matchday, the Athletic journalist made the suggestion when discussing the three changes made by the Whites.
Writing in the Athletic’s matchday Q&A, Sutcliffe believed that it could be a tactic ahead of the summer window opening.
“Team news is in and there are three changes,” he wrote.
“Kiko Casilla comes in along with Liam Cooper and Rodrigo. Bit surprised to see the change of goalkeeper, unless he’s being put in the shop window.
“Otherwise, looks a decent XI to me. What do we all make of that team selection? Happy?”
Waving goodbye?
It would be a smart move to sell or cut ties with Casilla this summer, with the Spaniard on big wages to be sitting on the bench nearly every single week.
After disappointing results and performances against Crawley and Brighton from the former Real Madrid man, we have to admit he was impressive last night on the south coast.
There were plenty of saves to be made, as well as that excellent long-ball to Raphinha that set up the matchwinning goal from Tyler Roberts in added time.
Time will tell, but it is likely that Casilla will be moving on this summer, with the Whites moving on to bigger and better things.
Elia Caprile may be given the chance to become number two at Elland Road after an impressive year with the under-23s, but a new signing appears more likely.
In other Leeds United news, Andrea Radrizzani sends one-word message to this Whites ace after big moment in the win against Southampton