Rob Green or Felix Wiedwald: who starts for Leeds United vs. Bolton?

While depth is never a bad thing, I am sure Christiansen is going to have a headache or two over who starts in goal when the first game rolls around. Should Christiansen go for the seasoned veteran, or should he make the switch and give true talent a try? Many factors come into play when managers decide who to start, and it is no easy task trying to manage all of the player egos.

Here is who I think will start between the posts when it comes time to play against Bolton Wanderers: (hint: the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.)

Yes, I do think former Werder Bremen keeper Felix Wiedwald should be the number one for Leeds going into the new season. He isn’t very experienced when it comes to the rigors of English Football, but I think he gives Leeds United a fresh look in goal, and I think when given the opportunity, he will seize the starting spot and it will be Felix’s for many years to come.

This has nothing to do with Rob Green’s ability to stop a ball. I actually do think at some point in the season, Green will get his chance to take over the no. 1 spot. Whether it be from strong cup performances from the Englishman, or a string of consecutive losses from the German, I fully expect Wiedwald to start against Bolton.

If we are to compare the two goalies so far this pre-season based on stats, who would actually have the advantage? Let’s take a look at some of the key friendlies and how each goalie performed.

In the first friendly against Harrogate Town, Green was given the nod in the first half, while new signing Wiedwald made his debut in the 2nd.

In the first half, Green did not have too much to do, and ended up with the clean sheet, as The Whites were up 2-0. In the second half, Leeds kept the lead, but Wiedwald did not look overly impressive as he gave up two goals, even letting Harrogate Town to within one. But Leeds killed off any comeback attempts and came out victorious 4-2.

There is no doubt that Rob Green was the better keeper in that first game, but a love of room to grow as Felix was simply just getting used to his new surroundings.

The second friendly of the new campaign saw Leeds blow out Guiseley F.C. 5-1. The only goal of the game came from a trialist, and the ball made its way past Rob Green. Felix came on in the 2nd half again. This time though, he was able to keep a clean sheet as Leeds ran riot. I think Felix had a better game overall, but it is still too close to call who deserves the starting spot.

The next friendly to be played (not behind closes doors) was a thrilling 1-1 draw vs. Bundesliga opponents Borussia Mönchengladbach. Felix Wiedwald this time got the start, while Rob Green came on in the 2nd half. The only goal came from a fantastic free kick from none other than Patrick Hermann, and the goal came while Rob Green was between the posts. So far, advantage Felix Wiedwald.

The last friendly in Austria was just awful, as Leeds lost 4-2 to SD Eibar. The first half was unbearable, as Green and co. gave up 3 goals in that half, while EIbar added another in the 2nd. Green looked helpless, as Wiedwald didn’t play and Peackock-Farrell was given the backup spot.

To me, it is clear as day that Felix Wiedwald should be our new, starting keeper. We bought this man for a reason, and I think he is going to be the new No. 1 for Christiansen not only this season, but in the future successful seasons to come as we try to get back to the Premier League.

Who do you think should start in goal when the first competitive game rolls around? Rob Green or Felix Wiedwald? Comment below who you think!