After the events of last season, one of the main priorities for Leeds United was getting a new goalkeeper. So the club splashed the cash to sign Lucas Perri from Lyon.
Daniel Farke made the decision at the back end of last season to bench Illan Meslier. The French keeper’s mistakes threatened to cost Leeds promotion and Karl Darlow was called upon to step into the team. The Whites eventually won the Championship on the last day of the season.
This summer, many expected Illan Meslier to leave after his place in the team was uncertain. But because there were no offers good enough for the player, he is still a part of the squad.
QUIZ: Can you name the team Leeds United signed these players from in the 2000s?
Lucas Perri set to return vs Burnley
Karl Darlow Credit: Imago
Perri started the season on a strong note, with two clean sheets from the first three games. The Brazilian then picked up an injury which saw him ruled out for a few games. Darlow was once again called upon, as Meslier returned from the wilderness to the matchday squad.
Darlow’s run saw some good results for Leeds, including a win over Wolves and a draw against Bournemouth. But in the press conference before the final game, Daniel Farke mentioned that Perri is back in training. And with time off in the international break, the Brazilian could be in goal as soon as the Burnley game.
Should Leeds United man keep his place in goal?
There will be some fans that will say that Karl Darlow should retain his place in goal, as the team have been on a good run. But Perri started the season as number one, which will now be down to a huge call from Daniel Farke.
Darlow showed how good he is against Fulham, but there were question marks about the Spurs game.
Karl Darlow radar Credit: Imago
He conceded two goals from almost nothing, but one of the goals took a deflection which was not totally his fault. Ben Foster recently analysed his saves and criticized the technique for the Spurs goals. And statistically, the Welshman ranks among the worst keepers for goals prevented – 23rd percentile for Post Shot expected goals minus goals against.
