Kiko Casilla helped Leeds United record a valuable three points against Rotherham on his debut for the Yorkshire club.
Sky Sports pundit Phil Thompson has claimed that Leeds goalkeeper Kiko Casilla was ‘out of his comfort zone’ during his side’s 2-1 win over Rotherham at the weekend.
The 32-year-old was making his debut for the Championship leaders, but Thompson felt that he ‘got away with’ a number of moments during the match which could have ended up being costly.
Nonetheless, Casilla stayed firm in between the sticks and was only beaten by a thumping long-range effort from Semi Ajayi as Marcelo Bielsa’s side came from behind to clinch a valuable three points.
Former Liverpool defender Thompson offered his mini assessment on Casilla’s debut as he hinted that there were a few nervy moments from the former Real Madrid man.
“He did alright,” Thompson told Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports on 26/01/2019. “He worried me a little bit. The ball come into the box and he was nearly on the edge of his box.
“He came for it trying to get it, he was so out of his comfort zone there and he’s reaching over a bunch of players, but he got away with it. He couldn’t do anything about the goal. The rest, he got away with it.”
During his career, Casilla has represented the likes of Real Madrid and Espanyol. Prior to his move to Elland Road this month, he made 43 appearances at the Santiago Bernabeu, according to transfermarkt.
Now the Spaniard will be hoping to use that big-game experience with Madrid and bring it with him to Leeds as they aim for promotion to the Premier League.
Nonetheless, that win at the New York Stadium means that Leeds have extended their lead at the top of the Championship table as they are now six points clear of third-placed Sheffield United.
This Saturday, Bielsa’s men will welcome free-scoring Norwich to Elland Road – three points from the home team would see them open up a six-point gap on the second-placed side.
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