After eight games this season, no one really expected Karl Darlow to be in goal for Leeds United. But unfortunately due to an injury to first choice keeper Lucas Perri, the Welshman had to deputize.
Darlow earned plaudits for his early performances, as he almost single-handedly got a result for the Whites away to Fulham. With Perri out for multiple games, Darlow has retained his place since. But his recent performances have raised eyebrows about his ability.
In the game against Spurs just before the international break, he looked to have let in two ‘easy’ goals to the opponent. And in Saturday’s loss, Burnley goalscorer Luom Tchaouna admitted that he caught Darlow off guard and decided to shoot.
QUIZ: Can you name the missing sponsor on these 10 Leeds United shirts?
Jamie Carragher has high praise for Karl Darlow
Karl Darlow Credit: Imago
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher was speaking about Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow on Sky Sports Monday Night Football. According to Carragher, Burnley’s first goal was not on the Welshman. He also defended the keeper, saying that he is ‘essential’ to how Leeds play:
“Darlow is fantastic on the ball. You can see him here splitting the centre-back,” Carragher said,
“He’s really confident on the ball. He was almost like a centre-back before. He’s now breaking the lines there.
“And this is what made Leeds actually play well in the game, talk about their XG numbers as well, a lot better than Burnley. But Burnley won’t care because they end up winning the game.”
Daniel Farke needs to drop Leeds man vs West Ham
Maybe Carragher is right, and the goal was not from Darlow’s error. But ignoring the other goals that went in in the games against Spurs and Bournemouth is not the way to go. With Lucas Perri fit now, Daniel Farke has no choice than to reinstate the keeper. He was okay in the first few games of the season, and even if he did have problems with the ball at his feet; Leeds kept two clean sheets with him in goal.
Farke has a very tough decision for the West Ham game, but hopefully he makes the right choice so that the team can get a result.
