Leeds United fans get a first glimpse of Kiko Casilla in their latest under-23 game.
There were no shortage of talking points to emerge from Leeds’ under-23 clash with Southampton on Monday night, with Gaetano Berardi returning from injury and Kiko Casilla making his first appearance for the Whites.
Casilla currently remains Marcelo Bielsa’s only signing of the January transfer window so far. The goalkeeper has arrived from Real Madrid, but was on the bench for the weekend’s trip to Stoke as Bailey Peacock-Farrell held onto the number one spot.
But the 32-year-old got the opportunity to put some pressure on Peacock-Farrell as he was included in the starting lineup for the under-23 game against the Saints at Tadcaster.
Casilla looked assured on the ball, and his handling was particularly encouraging. He regularly took the ball cleanly, and did not hesitate to come for crosses and win the ball when Southampton had set-pieces in their final third. Some of his distribution was also extremely exciting.
It remains to be seen whether he will replace Peacock-Farrell for the trip to Rotherham this weekend. The youngster’s form has been mixed at times, but he was largely impressive last time out, so it would be harsh if he missed out.
However, the early stages of Casilla’s Leeds bow certainly provided further signs that the club have pulled off an excellent piece of business, and he could be a brilliant addition as the Whites continue to push for promotion.
But for now, here is a look at Casilla warming up for the clash with the Saints on Monday…
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