Javi Gracia to axe Illan Meslier after Leeds United shocker v Fulham – BT Sport pundit
Joe Cole wants Illan Meslier to be axed from the Leeds United starting line-up after yet anothe shocker in the 2-1 defeat at Fulham on Saturday.
Meslier, 23, conceded 11 goals in two home games before two errors at Craven Cottage on 22 April gifted Fulham enough goals to be able to win the game.
It’s without doubt the toughest spell Meslier is going through as the Leeds number one and Cole believes Javi Gracia should drop him and maybe play Joel Robles instead.
After Rio Ferdinand said “you’re living and dying by that decision”, Cole told BT Sport on Saturday (22 April): “Without doubt, Gracia and his staff will be considering it.
“I would. I would take him out for the lad’s good and for the team’s good.
“It will be a positive move because, Rio you’ve played [in defence], when goalies are not having it off behind you, it changes what you do as a centre-half. And then it filters up the team.
“Robles, you could probably get him in the team. Is he ready? Is he mentally ready to come in and take on the challenge?
“It’s a big call but personally, I would do it if I was in Gracia’s shoes.”
Drop him
It’s about time Leeds fans started to realise that Meslier isn’t the best of goalkeepers.
He’s a young goalkeeper, yes. But he’s 23 now and he’s played over 100 times in the Premier League so he’s got more experience than most.
His youthfulness has been an excuse in the past but it’s not anymore and fans need to realise that Meslier being prone to errors is nothing new.
We’re not saying he’s a bad goalkeeper because his shot-stopping ability is quite good and his height makes him great at saving long-range efforts.
But Meslier’s command of a penalty area, ability to deal with crosses and set-pieces and his positioning can always be questionned.
He’s not getting better in that regard but he needs to learn that he’s not invulnerable in the starting spot at Elland Road.
Starting Robles would be a risk but could it really get any worse for Leeds right now?
In other Leeds United news, one player had a 3/10 shocker in our ratings for the defeat to Fulham.