Jamie Carragher has revealed one Leeds United summer signing is already giving him big concerns after watching him in action against Newcastle United.
Leeds United got another vital point on the board on Saturday after drawing 0-0 with Newcastle United, but that’s about the only positive thing you can say about a slog of a game.
The dull stalemate ended with by far the lowest xG of any game so far in the Premier League this season, and only one game from the last campaign recorded a lower one.
Fans can take heart from the fact that Daniel Farke’s back-line were hardly troubled against a talented Newcastle, though, as they recorded their second clean sheet of the campaign.
A solid backrock will be crucial if Leeds are to survive in the top flight, which is why the club has spent so much on defensive positions in the transfer window.
One of the most important signings of the summer is new goalkeeper Lucas Perri; however, Jamie Carragher has spotted something about his game that does concern him.
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Jamie Carragher has one worry about Leeds United goalkeeper Lucas Perri
Liverpool legend Carragher was on commentary duty for Sky Sports during the match and was given a fright when Perri held on to the ball as Newcastle players closed in on him.
The former defender expressed how he feels the Brazilian is inviting pressure by spending so much time in possession.
He said:” I do feel every time the goalkeeper has the ball at his feet, something could happen.
“Almost feel like he takes a little bit too long, an age. Allows the opposition players to get a little bit too close to him.
“Certainly too close for comfort for me and I’m not even a Leeds fan.”
Daniel Farke has settled upon his first-choice Premier League defence
Despite Carragher’s concerns, Perri won’t be getting dropped from the starting XI anytime soon, especially after Karl Darlow’s mistake against Sheffield Wednesday.
The new goalkeeper has now kept two clean sheets in his three Premier League appearances and radiates a composure through the side that Illan Meslier massively lacked.
In fact, it now seems as though Farke has settled upon his first-choice defence.
It’s no shock that Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson – who was excellent against Newcastle, though did come off injured – are in at full-back.
But Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk remaining the centre-back pairing is a mild surprise given the £15m signing of Jaka Bijol.
Struijk was the player most at risk of losing his place, but he is yet to put a foot wrong at Elland Road this season as Leeds have looked resolute in their two home fixtures.
Leeds now have four points from three tough opening fixtures, which is a great platform for the rest of the season.
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