Leeds ‘make Illan Meslier decision’ after Sheffield United win
Illan Meslier has been in the spotlight once again for Leeds after scoring an own goal in the 3-1 win against Sheffield United on Monday.
Leeds United took a huge step towards promotion with a victory away at Bramall Lane, though it wasn’t as plain sailing as the scoreline suggests.
Goals from Junior Firpo, Ao Tanaka and Joel Piroe secured a massive win for Leeds, while Meslier turned the ball into his own goal for the Blades’ only goal of the night.
The Frenchman has been under heavy scrutiny all season at Leeds, with a series of howlers leading to dropped pints for Faniel Farke’s side, with his frailties on show again at Bramall Lane.
Paul Robinson tips Leeds to sign a new goalkeeper
Despite enduring a poor season for Leeds, Meslier has remained as their number one throughout that period and is likely to do so until the end of the campaign.
However, Paul Robsinon, when speaking to MOT Leeds News, believes that the Whites should be in the market for a new ‘keeper, while also praising the way Farke has handled the situation.
“Daniel Farke stood by him all season,” Robinson said.
“He’s a confidence goalkeeper and the manager has been excellent with him. That’s one thing you can ask for as a goalkeeper. The manager either puts his arm around you and says, look, you’re going to have a rest for half a dozen games, I’m pulling you out the side. Or he sticks by him and he stands by him.
“I’ve said numerous times before, he’s got all the attributes but his decision-making at times isn’t right. And when he’s not playing well, that comes into question.
| 2024/25 season | Appearances | Saves | Save percentage | Goals conceded | Goals prevented | Clean Sheets |
| Illan Meslier | 34 | 55 | 72.4% | 21 | -0.68 | 20 |
“The manager clearly doesn’t think that Karl Darlow is ready to step up and take the number one jersey because there are two or three times this season where you would have put him in and given Meslier a rest, taking him out of the spotlight. So next season in the Premier League, do you trust Meslier?
“I think you bring somebody in as an equal to him next year. Somebody who is able to play. It’s an area of the squad that they’re going to have to strengthen next year.”
Farke has huge call to make at Leeds
Regardless of whether Leeds get promoted or not, although at this stage it’s hard to envisage them not, Farke will have a big call to make on Meslier’s future.
The Frenchman has looked suspect throughout the campaign for Leeds and could quite easily be a handful of points better off had they had someone else between the sticks.
Farke has backed Meslier throughout the campaign, but it remains to be seen whether that will continue through the summer.