Despite Casilla antics, Barry Douglas’ display should worry Leeds more

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Leeds United opened their Championship campaign up with a 3-1 win on Sunday.

While the vast majority of Leeds supporters were, understandably, delighted with Marcelo Bielsa’s side’s performance away at Bristol City on Sunday, there was plenty of debate about Kiko Casilla’s display at Ashton Gate following the game.

It was an interesting performance from the Spaniard. Within a few minutes, he had already surged off his line to deal with a ball over the top and produced a cut-back inside his own box as one of the opposition forwards attempted to close him down.

The 32-year-old went on to showcase the sublime aspects of his game, and the mistakes that he did make were minor ones that did not prove costly. Nevertheless, with the scars of last season’s play-off semi-final against Derby still healing, it was no surprise that many supporters were predicting that Casilla’s style of play was going to ensure that the next nine months extremely nerve wracking.

But while Casilla caused Leeds fans to hold their breath on a number of occasions, it was one of his teammate’s displays in the 3-1 win that should perhaps concern Bielsa slightly more.

It is fair to say that Barry Douglas did not enjoy the easiest first season at Elland Road following his £3 million move (via Sky Sports). Given his success at Wolves and Leeds’ left-back woes before his arrival, the fans expected the 29-year-old to be one of the club’s most inspired buys from the 2018 summer window. Unfortunately, supporters only got glimpses of his quality in that first season.

A full pre-season with Bielsa should stand Douglas in good stead. But there is no question that the left-back had a difficult afternoon in Bristol. Lee Johnson’s men had a lot of joy down their right flank throughout the game, with Douglas often looking as though he was out of position and leaving large gaps in behind.

And of course, questions could be asked of Douglas for the Robins’ late goal. He did not close Andi Weimann down as the forward broke into the box despite seemingly having no-one to mark.

Leeds have other options on the left in Gjanni Alioski and Leif Davis, but Douglas should be a clear first-choice if he is at his best. However, it once again seems that the Scot now has a point to prove after enduring a tough first day back at the office.