The 20-year-old goalkeeper has shone for the Leeds United reserves while the senior options have come under fire at times.
While a number of virtuoso performances have silenced Rob Green’s remaining doubters at Leeds United, the fact remains that Garry Monk’s choice of goalkeeper has been a bone of contention throughout the season.
From the early calls for Marco Silvestri’s return between the sticks to Green infuriating supporters with a horrific error against Newcastle United, it’s understandable that many supporters have been following the progress of talented young shot-stopper Bailey Peacock-Farrell with interest this season – and his Under-23 coach Jason Blunt has done little to quell the excitement surrounding his potential, the club’s official website reports.
“Bailey’s attitude has been good, he has good quality and his is a big presence and when you have him behind you,” Jason Blunt, who made four senior appearances for Leeds in the late ’90s (below), said after Monday’s 1-1 draw with Huddersfield Town’s reserves. “It makes defending a lot easier.”
If there’s one thing Marco Silvestri lacks, its presence and an ability to command his area while Green, despite his recent resurgence, has also struggled with the odd high ball.
However, at 6ft 3ins, Peacock-Farrell, the tallest goalkeeper at Leeds’ disposal, combines size with stature and transmits a composure that belies his 20 years.
The former Middlesbrough youth made his first-team debut under Steve Evans last season and, if he continues to draw praise for his performances with the reserves, Monk will surely enable him to follow in the footsteps of Ronaldo Vieira (below), Kalvin Phillips and co sooner rather than later.
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