Kamil Miazek signed for Leeds United this season and has been impressive for the under-23 side.
When Paul Heckingbottom names his side for Leeds’ home clash with Bolton Wanderers on Friday, it would be a major surprise if Bailey Peacock-Farrell is not handed a chance to retain his position in goal.
Peacock-Farrell has had to pick the ball out of the net on quite a few occasions since coming into the side for the game against league leaders Wolves earlier this month, but he has arguably been one of the success stories of Heckingbottom’s tenure so far.
The 21-year-old has taken little time to adapt to senior football – having almost gone two years without making a first-team appearance for the Whites following his debut – and should undoubtedly be in contention to be considered one of the head coach’s top two goalkeepers next term.
That is partially down to Peacock-Farrell and partially down to the fact that neither Felix Wiedwald or Andy Lonergan have vindicated the club’s decision to sign them in the summer. Wiedwald, in particular, must fear that he may not get the chance to play for Leeds again having fluffed his chance as number one on two occasions.
Lonergan was injured before the international break, and that was probably a key reason why Peacock-Farrell jumped to the front of the queue after the defeat to Middlesbrough. However, the veteran’s stint between the sticks earlier in the season was also hugely underwhelming.
If fit, he may get his chance before the season concludes – Heckingbottom still appears to be making decisions on the members of his squad – but perhaps, it may be fair to suggest that the most pressure being applied to Peacock-Farrell right now is coming from one of his under-23 rivals, Kamil Miazek.
Miazek was brought in earlier this season and has been one of the goalkeepers that Carlos Corberan has rotated throughout the campaign.
The 21-year-old was exceptional in the recent under-23 win over Cardiff City, making some terrific saves as Leeds strolled to a largely comfortable victory.
It would be a shock if Miazek got his first-team debut this season. But if Peacock-Farrell’s form dips after the international break and Lonergan is not ready – and Heckingbottom makes the brave call not to hand Wiedwald another chance – then perhaps the 21-year-old will be rewarded before the campaign concludes as no-one is putting more pressure on the current number one right now than he seems to be.
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