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Jermaine Beckford: 'Kiko Casilla must be dropped'

Beckford: 'Casilla must be dropped'
© Reuters
Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa should drop experienced goalkeeper Kiko Casilla, according to Jermaine Beckford.

Former Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford has urged Whites boss Marcelo Bielsa to drop goalkeeper Kiko Casilla following the Spaniard's latest blunder.

The former Real Madrid goalkeeper's form has been widely criticised in recent months and he dropped another clanger against Brentford on Tuesday night to allow Said Benrahma to score from close range.

Bielsa confirmed during Thursday's press conference that the 33-year-old would keep his spot for Saturday's key Championship encounter against Bristol City.

However, Beckford, who scored 84 times in 147 appearances for Leeds, has insisted that the Spaniard needs to have a spell out of the side in order to regain his confidence.

"Yes, I think [Casilla should be dropped]. Players should be playing on form and that's something I'm a firm believer in. That mistake could have happened to anyone but if you look at the last six or seven games he has been well out of form," Beckford told Sky Sports News.

"Maybe a little bit of complacency has snuck in because he got used to playing week in, week out regardless of whether he is pushing himself to the limit.

"There is no doubting he is a very talented goalkeeper. I just think he might need a rest to let the pressure drop on somebody else's shoulders for a couple of games.

"His confidence has been shot and the manager knows that but it is difficult to drop your highest earners. [He can] get his confidence back and get the hunger back as well and then put him back in the squad."

Leeds remain second in the Championship table despite winning just one of their last seven in England's second tier.

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Brentford's Said Benrahma scores their first goal against Leeds on February 11, 2020
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