Impressive Kiko Casilla stats show just how important divisive goalkeeper is

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Kiko Casilla is something of an enigmatic figure with the Leeds United crowd and with good reason. The Spaniard arrived from Real Madrid in January amid plenty of fanfare and excitement. 

Whilst he is undoubtedly a gifted shot-stopper, some of the other aspects of his game have come under intense scrutiny in England’s second-tier. 

His rushing out of the penalty area and ability to claim crosses are two causes for concern at this level. Indeed, his collision with Liam Cooper proved costly in the play-off defeat to Derby County last season. 

But he certainly brings a composure on the ball that Marcelo Bielsa wants from his goalkeeper. 

As seen in this tweet from Daily Mail journalist Amitai Winehouse. 

Having a keeper who is equally comfortable with the ball at his feet as his hands is key to Bielsa getting the best out of this Leeds United team. 

Bailey Peacock-Farrell, who played the first-half of last season as Leeds’ number one, was never up to that standard. 

So whilst Casilla may be responsible for some high heart rates among the Leeds fanbase this season, what he brings to the team with his overall game might be worth the occasional error long-term.