Paul Merson says what Leeds United should do with Meslier after Swansea howler
Leeds United dropped points against Swansea as Illan Meslier came into the firing line once again.
The Frenchman has been subject to criticism after several mistakes that have cost Daniel Farke‘s side in the promotion race.
The 25-year-old has been linked with an Elland Road exit as frustration grows around his poor performances and he did not help himself on Saturday afternoon in the 2-2 draw.
Paul Merson defends Meslier despite Swansea errors
Meslier had another howler in the Swansea clash despite saving a first-half penalty that Joe Rodon had conceded.
The French star dropped the ball from a corner that allowed Harry Darling to equalise, and then could not save Jan Vipotnek’s late strike.
However, Merson has urged the Whites to stick with the error-prone ace despite his latest blunders.
Speaking on Sky Sports (29 March, 17:31), he said: “You’ve got to just stick with him, he makes mistakes, he does make good saves, but he does make mistakes.
“This is not the first mistake that he has made this season, but he’s got good mental strength, he comes back out.
“He always puts himself in the firing line, so I have a lot of respect for him like that, it’s just one of them days, he goes from hero to villain in 70-80 minutes of football.”
Meslier will surely leave Leeds in the summer
Regardless of whether the Whites secure promotion to the Premier League, surely Meslier will not be between the sticks next season.
While his mental strength must be praised as he can pick himself up and go again despite the constant criticism, as Merson states, he makes far too many costly mistakes, and that proved to be the case again at Elland Road after Wilfried Gnonto had seemingly secured all three points.
| Stats | Meslier v Swansea |
| Saves | 4 |
| Errors leading to goal | 1 |
| Goals conceded | 2 |
| Accurate long balls | 2/10 (20%) |
The Peacocks’ ace may depart in the summer, but Farke needs him to pick himself up and be ready to go again for the final seven matches of the season as the Championship promotion race goes down to the wire.
If he has any chance of salvaging his career with the Yorkshire outfit, he needs to step up and help his side to secure a promotion berth at the end of the season, but that may not even be enough.
Leeds have been linked with Caoimhin Kelleher, and the Liverpool stopper would be a major improvement on what Meslier offers, which is crucial if they are in the Premier League next season.
If they are promoted, Meslier cannot be the number one, he is struggling in the second tier, and he would be eaten alive in the top-flight.