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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Where does one begin with Kiko Casilla? The goalkeeper’s arrival in Leeds last January from Real Madrid was one which should have created excitement.
After all, this was an experienced professional arriving from one of Europe’s top clubs.
However, his lack of game time, sitting behind players like Keylor Navas and Thibaut Courtois was obvious.
His temperament is extremely questionable and that has never been more evident than in the playoffs last season.
The Spaniard came out, tumbled with Liam Cooper and allowed a simple goal for Derby.
Casilla took flack for that display and it was hardly a great surprise. It wasn’t a shock to see him linked with a move away in the summer too.
Sevilla were reportedly knocking about but he eventually stayed at Elland Road.
Yet, with the departure of Bailey Peacock-Farrell this summer it presented an ideal opportunity for him to nail down the number one spot, even with the arrival of Illan Meslier.
Indeed Casilla had a rather straightforward start to the season but it was against Salford on Tuesday in the Carabao Cup where things almost went south once again.
In truth, his saves kept Leeds in the game and those moments were particularly important but it was a moment of madness that showed despite his qualities, he can always create a flash of panic.
With the game in its final ten minutes he raced out of his goal and missed everything from a free-kick before the ball was somehow scrambled away. Yet again it was shaky.
As seems tradition with Casilla, his positioning was all over the place and in a game that had a lot less riding on it than a Championship clash, it will come as a huge concern.
The 32-year-old simply makes too many errors and despite producing some clever saves, it offered a timely reminder to Marcelo Bielsa of why he cannot display full faith in him.
Meslier also has issues with his positioning but it may not be too long before we see the Frenchman earn a regular spot between the sticks instead.
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