So, Daniel Farke has made the surprise decision to drop Illan Meslier from his starting line-up and bring in Karl Darlow, ahead of Leeds United’s clash against Luton Town on Saturday.
Many felt Daniel Farke would continue to stick by Illan Meslier as he has done in the past, despite mistakes against Sunderland and then Hull. But it appears Swansea proved to be Farke’s final straw.
Darlow will come in for his first league start of the season. Stuart Dallas has said Darlow is key off the pitch and now, the Wales international will get the chance to show why he can be important on it.
Leeds go up against 23rd-placed Luton Town on Saturday, but Matt Bloomfield’s side are in good form having won three of the last five. A lot better than Leeds anyway, who have only managed one win.
Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty ImagesWhat Daniel Farke said about Karl Darlow in press conference
Darlow is an experienced goalkeeper with spells at Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United and Hull – playing in the Premier League and now, is Wales’ first-chioce stopper ahead of Leicester’s Danny Ward.
Speaking in Thursday’s press conference, Farke shared how Darlow had been performing in training and why he was 100% convinced to make a change. He also shared how the Leeds squad feel about Darlow.
“There are always a few concerns that he hasn’t played many league games. But I see him each and every day in training, he performs really well. Absolutely professional, absolutely loyal, everyone trusts him.
“He’s played two good games for Wales. In good rhythm, so in this moment in a nervy period and you feel the pressure, we trust Karl so much. We trust his quality. I am 100% convinced it is the right decision.”
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Karl Darlow’s Championship stats compared to Illan Meslier
It might just be the perfect time to bring in Darlow. He hasn’t played much for Leeds, but Darlow has just got match sharpness with Wales where he impressed and in doing so, combined with Leeds’ Joe Rodon.
That connection will help when Leeds go to Luton on Saturday, a side renowned for their physicality. The more physical Darlow will help Leeds be more secure from set-pieces – a notable struggle of Meslier’s.
Farke will be praying that Darlow goes through the game without making a mistake and Leeds come out the other end with a win. Darlow making a mistake would be catastrophic, leaving Farke in a bad position.