Jamal Blackman injury proved more costly than Leeds United fans thought

Add as preferred source on Google

Leeds United’s bid for promotion fell apart for numerous reasons. One of the areas in which they clearly struggled was between the sticks.

Kiko Casilla’s errors toward the end of the season proved costly. The former Real Madrid man’s performance in the second-leg against Derby County, in particular, drew ire from Leeds fans.

Throughout the first half of the season, it was Bailey Peacock-Farrell who found himself under the spotlight. The Northern Ireland international struggled for consistency and fans felt he was the weak link in the team. It was why Casilla was snapped up, even if he failed to live up to expectations.

But neither were initially supposed to be Leeds number one this season.

It appears that role was meant for Jamal Blackman. Signed on loan from Chelsea the former Sheffield United loanee never got his chance at Elland Road.

As reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post, Bielsa was a huge fan of Blackman. He described him as England’s best young goalkeeper. However, the report also detailed how the Argentine wanted him to lose weight and improve his conditioning before being given the number one spot.

“I say that Blackman is the best English young goalkeeper, not because I made this conclusion myself. I’m repeating the opinion of specialists on the subject.

“I’m very sad for him. He’s a great person, a great goalkeeper. He made a huge effort to do what we asked him to do. To give you an example, he lost 12 kilos. This indicates his level of application as a professional.

“When he won the opportunity to start a game he got injured. I’m sad for the team and the club but I’m especially sad for him because destiny is unfair on him.”

Just as it looked like he was ready to take the number one spot, disaster struck. Blackman broke his leg in an under-23s clash with Birmingham City and his season was over.

Leeds’s clear plan was to have Blackman, a player Bielsa thought very highly of, as their number one at some point this season. In the end, they shoehorned in Casilla who has shown a complete disconnect with his back-line in recent weeks which must be eradicated over the summer.

It may not seem like it, as Blackman never played a single Championship game for Leeds. However, it now seems like a big moment in the detriment of Leeds’ season.