Leeds United have enjoyed a very impressive and very successful start to their Championship campaign this season, with the base of that success being the performance of their current defensive unit. Leeds are currently the best defensive unit in English football having only conceded nine goals in their first sixteen games.
As is fairly common at Elland Road though, things are not smooth for long.
Current number one Kiko Casilla (32) is enjoying an excellent run of limited concessions and is also playing a huge part in the teams passing stats with his effortless contributions in transitions of play.
However, an accusation of racism against the Spaniard during Leeds’ visit to Charlton earlier this season has put that run in severe jeopardy, with a decision on any punishment due by the end of the month, the Whites could find themselves managing a major set-back in their efforts to reach the Premier League.
As Leeds wait on any whether there will be any punishment and how severe it could be, will they look to their academy for a temporary replacement or will they utilise on-loan stopper Illan Meslier between the sticks?
Another option for the Whites could be from the Premier League, where there are a few goalkeepers that are awaiting their opportunity to play and Leeds United could be the perfect platform on which to prove themselves to either their parent clubs on on-looking eyes.
Here I look at three potential stoppers that Leeds could look to as a solution, should a problem arise.
1- Joe Hart- Burnley
Former England number one Hart (32) has found game time hard to come by of late and could be the perfect fit for the Whites as he is used to pressurised situations in front of large crowds.
2- Michel Vorm- Tottenham Hotspur
36-year-old Vorm is practically surplus to requirements at White Heart Lane but is by no means finished in the game. The Dutchman could be an important piece in Leeds’ promotion jigsaw should they need him.
3- Karl Darlow- Newcastle United
Darlow (29) has plenty of Championship experience through both Newcastle and Nottingham Forest and is held in high regard by most as a very good goalkeeper. He has also been on Leeds’ radar of late… a small loan to Elland Road could be a good move for both parties.