BBC pundit: Leeds United had lucky escape as Ben Foster transfer speculation now emerges
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United...
Leeds United were fortunate to get through the 2021/22 season without goalkeeper Illan Meslier being forced to sit out any of their matches, according to Paul Robinson.
Meslier, 22, started every single one of Leeds’ matches in all competitions last season, playing 42 times in total and completing 90 minutes in all but one match, which saw him go off injured at Wolves in Marsch.
Kristoffer Klaesson was signed from Valerenga last summer and with Kiko Casilla being sent out on loan to Elche, the 21-year-old Norwegian was used as the number two goalkeeper in the senior side.
Klaesson only had to play once and that was when Meslier went off injured at Molineux.
Robinson feels Leeds were fortunate that Meslier didn’t miss more minutes than he did due to a lack of a suitable replacement for him.
Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said: “Leeds got lucky last season that Meslier played through the season.
“Klaesson only had to play one game, which was against Wolves.
“That tells you a lot.
“You’ve got good goalkeeping coaches there but none of them have played at the top level, none of them have the experience of playing for Leeds United or playing in the Premier League.”
Leeds have recently been linked with Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster, who’s due to leave Vicarage Road at the end of Thursday (30 June) when his contract expires.
MailPlus reported on Saturday (25 June) that the 39-year-old former West Brom and Manchester United shot-stopper is being considered by the Whites as Victor Orta looks to add experience between the sticks.
Robinson added: “Having someone like Ben Foster who’s got an untold number of Premier League appearances and represented England internationally will be invaluable to have around Meslier from day to day.
“It’s a huge oversight from them.”
In other Leeds United news, documents have been exchanged for this player to leave Leeds after two weeks of going back and forth.