Illan Meslier faces Leeds United axe after what he did
Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier will be dropped by Daniel Farke should he fail to cut out the “silly mistakes”, according to Don Goodman.
Meslier was at fault for the first of Portsmouth’s goals in the 3-3 draw at Elland Road on the opening weekend of the Championship season.
While the Frenchman did play his part in a clean sheet at West Brom on Saturday (17 August), there is still a suspicion he is too inconsistent in goal.
Sharing his view with MOT Leeds News, Goodman said: “Meslier has always been a goalkeeper that has got a mistake in him. There’s no getting away from that.
“The first goal Leeds conceded against Portsmouth recently, which defined the game, should never have ended up in the back of the net – it’s gone right through him.
“Flip that on its head, and last season I saw him make many point-saving saves, so he clearly has the ability, albeit with the odd silly mistake in him that can prove costly.
“Daniel Farke has been patient and loyal to him, but this is the season for Leeds United – the season they simply have to get back to the Premier League.
“So while I do think Daniel Farke will back the goalkeeper for now, too many mistakes like that and it won’t be long before Meslier runs out of chances.”
Karl Darlow waiting for Leeds United opportunity
Meslier kept the joint-most clean sheets in the Championship last season, and yet many Leeds fans feel he is not cut out to be the first-choice goalkeeper.
While the 24-year-old did play his part in many of those shutouts, though, it must be remembered just how strong Leeds’ defence was in the second half of last season in particular.
Goalkeepers are more prone to criticism than any other position given that one mistake could easily define a match. A midfielder misplacing a pass is forgotten about minutes later, for example.
Should Farke favourite Meslier continue to make silly mistakes, however, like he did against Pompey, then it will surely be time for the German to at least give Darlow a go.
Now aged 32, Darlow was brought in 13 months ago but has so far made just four appearances, half of those coming in cup competitions.
Farke is right to stick with Meslier for now, but an error against Sheffield Wednesday later this week and Farke simply cannot afford to show any further unwarranted loyalty.
In other Leeds United news, Sunderland have named their price for Whites target Jack Clarke.
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