Karl Darlow set for Daniel Farke audition after recent Leeds United developments
The October international break couldn’t have come at a much worse time for Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
The Frenchman now has two weeks to stew over his mistake that cost the Whites three points against Sunderland on Friday (4 October) after he failed to catch Junior Firpo’s last-minute deflection as Leeds drew 2-2 at the Stadium of Light.
While the keeper would have wanted the ground to swallow him up after that error, he will certainly be wishing that there was another game just around the corner so that he could get back to his best as quickly as possible.
Instead, he will have plenty of time to reflect on his mistake while fellow Leeds stopper Karl Darlow joins up with the Wales squad for their Nations League fixtures against Iceland and Montenegro.
The 33-year-old impressed on his international debut earlier this season as he made several important saves to help Craig Bellamy’s side claim all three points over Montenegro and climb to second in their Nations League group.
While it is unclear whether or not Darlow will be preferred ahead of Danny Ward for Wales’ fixtures this October, the keeper may have an opportunity to show Daniel Farke that he is deserving of a start ahead of Meslier.
The Leeds United boss has put a lot of faith in his number one since he arrived at Elland Road, even when the Frenchman has struggled for form, but Darlow could give him a decision to make if he impresses in the international break.
It would certainly be a surprise to see the 33-year-old handed a rare start between the posts when the Whites get their Championship campaign back up and running against Sheffield United, but Meslier simply has to be under pressure.
What has happened to Leeds United star Illan Meslier at Elland Road?
If an outfield player had made that sort of error at that stage of the game, their position would be under threat the next week. It shouldn’t be any different for a goalkeeper.
Ultimately, it is now down to Darlow to pass his audition and show Farke that he is ready to make a start in the Championship.
The rarely-seen Welshman hasn’t had many chances to stake his claim for a starting place over the last year or so, so he needs to make sure he grabs this one with both hands.
In other Leeds United news, Jobe Bellingham has been torn into for a “ridiculous” incident in the clash between the Whites and Sunderland
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