Why Leeds United holding on to Kiko Casilla is a good decision

According to The Athletic (h/t The Express), Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa has blocked any potential exit of Kiko Casilla after the club’s hierarchy decided to sell him in the summer.

Casilla, 33, came through the youth ranks of Real Madrid but could not establish himself at the first-choice shot-stopper in Santiago Bernabeu. After several years with Los Blancos, Leeds United bought him on a free transfer in January 2019.

The Spaniard became the first choice for the second half of last season but made a blunder in the Champions play-off semi-final against Derby. However, he returned to form this season and has been a crucial member in the Whites’ race for Premier League promotion.

He has featured in all 35 Championship games and has kept 15 clean sheets for the side. The report also suggests that Bielsa has insisted that Casilla was key to his project at Elland Road.

The Whites have had a brilliant campaign so far, except for the last few weeks before they bounced back to winning ways. They would be hoping for automatic promotion and should they be in the Premier League next season, they will have to keep hold of several key players.

In the goalkeeping department, Leeds have only one established player in their ranks in Kiko Casilla. They bought Illan Meslier and Elia Caprile in the last two transfer windows respectively but both of them have limited experience at a higher level.

21-year-old Will Huffer, who is a product of Leeds’ youth system has featured in only one Championship game in his career. Therefore, keeping hold of the Spaniard is a wise decision by the manager.

The 33-year-old has played at a higher level with Real Madrid in the past few years and his experience would be valuable to the team if they qualify to play in England’s top-flight.

He has put in several match-winning performances this season and showed his best in the 2-0 win over Hull City earlier in the campaign. He has the ability to do well and can still offer a lot to the team.

Casilla’s presence in the team would also help the youngsters in the ranks as they can learn from his experience. He has conceded just 0.86 goals per 90 minutes and has registered 70 saves so far. His clean sheet percentage accounts for 42.9%, which is the highest by a goalkeeper in the Championship this season with more than 10 games played, as per FBREF.

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Verdict

The Spaniard has improved this season and Leeds must take a chance with him next season. He is one of their best players this term and his presence in the team could pay off handsomely for the Whites.

Therefore, Bielsa has done the right thing by keeping hold of Casilla and making him a key member in his plans.