Leeds United stat guru, Chris Taylor (@LUFCDATA), has looked at a comparison between Rob Green and this seasonâs goalkeepers at Elland Road, Andy Lonergan and Felix Wiedwald.
Green was last seasonâs number one at Elland Road, with the former England goalkeeper impressing for the Whites, featuring in every Sky Bet Championship fixture, as Leeds finished seventh under Garry Monk.
However, Thomas Christiansenâs arrival as head-coach over the summer saw Wiedwald also arrive at Elland Road, with the German goalkeeper preferred to Green on the opening day of the Championship season.
Green has since moved to Huddersfield Town, which led to Lonerganâs arrival as Wiedwaldâs deputy. Neither Wiedwald nor Lonergan have managed to hold down a regular place in the starting XI, with Leedsâ goalkeeping troubles becoming a hot topic around Elland Road.
@LUFCDATA has now looked at the distribution of Green, Wiedwald and Lonergan, with the trioâs stats throwing up some interesting comparisons.
Wiedwald has the best distribution with 69% success, although as @LUFCDATA points out, a lot of his passes were made short. Green is behind with 57%, whilst Lonerganâs stands at a worrying 40%, with Leeds reverting to long-ball tactics since the goalkeeperâs return to the starting XI.
The Verdict
This is a really interesting comparison, as one of the reasons Wiedwald was preferred to Green was his standard of distribution.
Wiedwald is streets ahead of Green and Lonergan with his distribution, but now finds himself out of Leedsâ first-team, with Lonergan in the starting XI.
Lonerganâs stats are poor, and with Leeds struggling in the Championship, Christiansenâs decision not to stick with Green over the summer is looking a poor one.
Wiedwald and Lonergan both have strengths and weaknesses, with the formerâs distribution his. However, Green is a more all rounded goalkeeper, and would have undoubtedly been the better option at Elland Road.
Leeds fans⦠Let us know your thoughts!