Leeds need Kiko Casilla at his best against Millwall

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Felix Wiedwald provides the perfect case study for any Leeds United supporter keen to argue that statistics can sometimes prove incredibly misleading.

The German joined the Whites in the 2017 summer transfer window and was immediately given the number one spot. He was under considerable pressure coming in after a campaign in which Rob Green had proved to be an inspired signing.

But it initially appeared that Leeds had actually produced another smart goalkeeper signing. Wiedwald conceded just two goals in his opening seven appearances in the Championship, keeping six clean sheets in a row after the 3-2 win at Bolton on the opening day.

In truth however, it was a superb run of form from the defenders in front of him that inspired the remarkable run.

That became abundantly clear once more questions were asked of Wiedwald. He made numerous mistakes and was dropped twice during the one season he spent at Elland Road. He was discarded shortly after Marcelo Bielsa’s arrival.

Unfortunately for Leeds, goalkeeper problems did not disappear with Wiedwald. Bailey Peacock-Farrell could not hold down the number one spot at the start of last season.

And Kiko Casilla’s erratic behaviour after arriving in January was one of the reasons why the Whites ended up with another year in the Championship when it looked certain that they would be back taking a seat at English football’s top table.

Perhaps surprisingly, Casilla stayed this summer and kept his place as number one. But so far, his performances appear to have vindicated Bielsa’s decision to keep faith with the 33-year-old.

Toughest test yet?

Leeds sit second, having conceded just five goals in their opening 10 games. It is the best defensive record in the Championship, and Casilla has certainly played his part.

His decision-making appears to have improved and his distribution remains a real strength. He has not silenced all of his critics, but there have been fewer mistakes.

However, it is perhaps fair to say that Leeds fans will have a much better idea of whether Casilla has stepped up from last season after they have faced Millwall this weekend.

With former Leeds striker Matt Smith leading the line and the Whites lacking height, Bielsa’s men will need to prepare for the ball to be sent into their penalty area at every possible opportunity.

Casilla will probably face his toughest test yet this season. His decision-making is going to be crucial. He can take a lot of the pressure off the defenders by coming for crosses at the right time, and, just as importantly, staying put when it is not his ball to win.

Millwall may well ask different questions of Leeds’s defence to the ones that they have already answered with flying colours this term.

And it may be after Saturday’s game that Leeds fans learn whether Casilla has indeed stepped up from last season, or has been flattered by the statistics that suggest that he is currently the best-performing goalkeeper in the division.