This summer there were many signs pointing to the fact that Leeds United would bring in a new first choice goalkeeper after what happened at the end of last season. Daniel Farke made a bold decision with less than 10 games to go that ended up wrapping up the league title.
In the run-in, Leeds were dropping points with some coming from Illan Meslier’s errors. The French keeper had been the first choice all season, but after consecutive gaffes, Farke decided to take immediate action. Karl Darlow stepped in between the sticks, with Leeds winning six of their last seven games to clinch the Championship – the Welshman kept four clean sheets in that run.
Leeds splashed the cash on Lucas Perri from Lyon for a huge fee, with Meslier being relegated to third choice behind Darlow this season.
Daniel Farke could drop Leeds United star after horrendous Brentford showing
Perri has been okay between the sticks since he arrived; keeping two clean sheets early in the season showed positive signs. But even at the start, there were concerns about his distribution. On Sunday against Brentford, the Brazilian was having a horror show as he kept giving the ball away to the opponents under no pressure – he completed just eight passes in 90 minutes of play.
| Statistic | Value | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| Accurate Passes | 8/27 | 30% |
| Passes in Opposition Half | 4/21 | 19% |
| Passes in Own Half | 4/6 | 67% |
| Long Balls | 4/23 | 17% |
Journalist Beren Cross even took to X to complain about Perri’s play in the Brentford game: ”Perri’s distribution again under the spotlight for the wrong reasons today. Consistently putting the ball straight out or giving to the opposition.”
Fortunately for the Brazilian, the home side barely troubled him – having just two shots on target in the 90 minutes.
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Should Karl Darlow return to the lineup?
Though Perri has not made a direct mistake leading to goal, many feel that with the way he distributes the ball, it could happen sooner or later. Which poses the question; should Darlow return between the sticks? The Welshman had a solid run when Perri was out injured for a few games.
But there is a huge upside with keeping Perri; he is a fantastic shot stopper. The Brazilian’s saves have kept Leeds in games these past couple of weeks. So maybe keeping him in the lineup is a better option than completely dropping him. Ultimately, the decision will lie with Leeds United boss Daniel Farke in the end.
