This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets…
You can’t teach an old dog new tricks is very much the mantra tied to Kiko Casilla.
The Spaniard has been an ever-present star this season, seemingly swatting away his doubters and becoming one of the most assured in the Championship.
Before Leeds’ 3-3 draw against Cardiff, they had a better defensive record than anyone in the top four divisions in England. They also had a better defence than anyone in the top five leagues in Europe.
It was a testament to the hard work done behind the scenes by Marcelo Bielsa and his faith in the stopper had been vindicated.
Casilla could have left for Sevilla in the summer, but Leeds chose to move on Bailey Peacock-Farrell instead.
Since that moment, he’s been pivotal in Leeds picking up points a host of points. An excellent display against Sheffield Wednesday, making four saves and three high claims, was memorable.
But more recently, his stop to deny Elias Kachunga at Huddersfield was also top drawer. However, he was anything but assured against Cardiff.
For the first time this season, Casilla was exposed. The Real Madrid man was back to his old tricks and the fallibilities that we saw so often in his debut campaign in England were on display.
He made a vital error, coming to punch a cross and failing to gather it. He didn’t do enough to alter the flight of the ball and Lee Tomlin found the back of the net.
It was a moment the goalkeeper will be keen to forget but it might not be so easy for an individual that arguably cost the team promotion last season.
During the playoffs, a moment of miscommunication with Liam Cooper led to Derby scoring in what was a calamitous display.
A true test for any Leeds fan: Can you match these iconic images with the right results?
Casilla has been much-improved this term but this was a timely reminder of his ability to crumble and wilt when his team need him most.
If anyone is capable of denying Leeds promotion, it is themselves, and in particular, their goalkeeper.
It was done in the final months of last season and could happen again if they aren’t careful.
This was a rare poor performance from the Spaniard in 2019/20 and he will have to bounce back quickly.
More mistakes like the one he made on Saturday could come back to haunt Leeds. They may be ten points clear of third but there is still a considerable amount of football to be played.
Meanwhile, Phil Hay has provided an update on the fitness of Adam Forshaw…