Leeds United fans have voiced a clear preference on whether Karl Darlow or Lucas Perri should start in goal against Bournemouth.
Lucas Perri was handed the number one shirt for Leeds United and started their first three games of the season in the Premier League.
However, Perri picked up an injury during the international break, handing an opportunity to Karl Darlow, who was the first-choice during Leeds’ run to the Championship title. Darlow impressed in the victory over Wolves, making a handful of important saves as Leeds’ attack sparked into life in an important 3-1 victory.
Now, the fans have shared their verdict on whether Perri or Darlow should start in the next Premier League game against Bournemouth, with Perri nearing a return to fitness.
Leeds United fans give their verdict on the Lucas Perri vs Karl Darlow debate
Leeds fans flooded onto the social media site X (formerly Twitter) after Leeds posted a highlights reel of Darlow’s best saves against Wolves to share their views on his position in the team.
Responding to Leeds’ post, fans threw their support behind Darlow, backing him to retain his place in the Leeds side. One fan wrote: “Making the number one spot his own, I can see Perri struggling to get back in on the last 2 performances.”
Another fan agreed with this assessment, adding: “Been superb, starts as number one for me and his shirt to lose now.”
Darlow’s performance at Molineux was described as “brilliant” by one fan, who posted: “Brilliant performance from Darlow at the weekend. Has to keep his place even when Perri is back from injury.”
Another Leeds fan pointed to Darlow’s role with the Welsh team to justify his ongoing selection, stating: “Wales’ number one. Brilliant to see Karl Darlow getting game time and in good form. Strong case for him staying Leeds’ first-choice goalkeeper.”
According to one fan, Darlow has all the crucial skills needed by a goalkeeper, as one fan said: “Positioning, handling, footwork, agility, commanding, decision making. All there, giving the team confidence.”
Another fan praised Darlow’s patience, after being forced to deputise for Illan Meslier for the majority of his Leeds career to date, adding: “Man like Darlow kept our bench warm for two years and waited quietly for his opportunity. Now he’s a Premier League beast. We can all learn something from Karl.”
Bryn Law names his Leeds United goalkeeper for Bournemouth
Speaking on the West Stand Podcast by the Square Ball, LUTV commentator Bryn Law backed Darlow to retain his place against Bournemouth, even if Perri is fit.
Law was reassured by Darlow’s decision-making in the win over Wolves, as Leeds withstood a second-half barrage from Wolves as they looked to force their way back into the game.
He said: “I think he definitely starts the next game, and I think Perri will be fit if he isn’t already, because he’s been good and his goodness manifested itself in a less spectacular way on Saturday. But I think Tony used the phrase, decision making.
“What am I going to do with this now? Am I kicking this short, or am I kicking it long? It’s going long, this one’s going long.
“He did the right things at the right times, attacking crosses and got something on pretty much everything that came into the penalty area and a couple of good saves in the midst of it. Not as spectacular as the brilliant saves that you made against Fulham. But, I think he has to be dislodged now.”
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