Leeds United break from Premier League action for two weeks, making way for the international fixtures.
The international break might well have come at a good time for Leeds United. Despite their strong start to the season, with Leeds sitting in 12th place at the Premier League table after taking four points from their opening three, there has been a lot of talk following deadline day.
Daniel Farke’s side failed to sign anyone as Leeds United endured a disastrous deadline day, capping what could have been a strong summer transfer window as a somewhat disappointing one.
Several summer signings are impressing so far whilst others are still getting up to speed. One such player may be Lucas Perri in goal.
Karl Darlow in action during Leeds United v AC Milan - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
Leeds United player Karl Darlow shines on international duty
Already this season, Perri has kept two clean sheets in three Premier League performances, but Leeds United’s 5-0 defeat against Arsenal skews the clean sheet record somewhat, and it was a game where Perri really failed to impress. The Leeds United fans voiced concern about Perri’s performance that game as he came up against his first formidable Premier League attack.
Viktor Gyokeres scored twice that game and ran Leeds United ragged throughout. Whilst it’s still early doors for Perri, there are certainly some warning signs, and Farke may be interested to know that second-choice goalkeeper Karl Darlow put in a strong performance for Wales on Thursday afternoon.
The 34-year-old made a string of saves as Wales beat Kazakhstan 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier, with many Wales fans hailing the performance of the Leeds United man on social media.
Statistic Karl Darlow vs Kazakhstan
Passes 31
Pass % 78
Saves 3
We already know when Daniel Farke might drop Lucas Perri
Dropping a goalkeeper is never an easy decision. And right now there’s no need to drop Perri. But as the season goes on, if Perri proved unconvincing and Leeds are in a desperate position, then there’ll be inevitable cries to bring Darlow back in.
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That was the case last season with Illan Meslier. But Farke arguably left it too late, leaving Meslier to make numerous mistakes before bringing Darlow in to the side.
Going off of that case study, we know it would take some doing for Perri to lose his place in the side. But it’s reassuring knowing that Farke can call upon Darlow should he need to; whether he’s dropping Perri or if the former Lyon man picks up an injury.
Speaking recently though, Farke did say Perri has room for improvement: “We don’t want him acting like a No.10 or additional outfield player, but room for improvement. Needs time with goalkeeper coach. Main thing is saving the ball. So far, so good.”
Leeds United are back in action against Fulham later in the month.