Illan Meslier done for season at Leeds United after ‘brave’ Sam Allardyce call – Sky Sports punidt
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…
Paul Robinson believes Sam Allardyce has made the right call by dropping Illan Meslier from the Leeds United starting XI.
Joel Robles has been given the gloves for the Whites’ two fixtures under Allardyce, with the £25m-rated Frenchman having to settle for a place on the bench (Daily Star, 17 August).
Robinson feels Allardyce will stick with the Spaniard between now and the end of the season, with Meslier potentially playing his last game of the campaign.
“Allardyce has been brought in to do a job and make big decisions,” Robinson exclusively told MOT Leeds News.
“He’s not there to make friends. Meslier is a top goalkeeper but he’s in a place where he’s probably never been before. His confidence is shot to pieces, and his decision-making, at times, was wrong.
“He was making errors. Allardyce had Robles before at Everton, he’s a goalkeeper he knows and trusts. He’s come in the last two games and done well.
“I can’t see the manager changing that anytime soon between now and the end of the season.
“I can’t see the decision impacting Meslier’s career. Regardless of whether Leeds are in the Championship or Premier League, he will still have his suitors.
“People will still come in and buy him. He’s got a lot of talent for a goalkeeper of such a young age. I think he will go on and play in the Champions League.
“He’s at a low point in his career and it’s a steep learning curve. It’s a decision Allardyce has taken in light of keeping Leeds in the Premier League.
“He couldn’t risk keeping Meslier there hoping he rediscovered his form because that would’ve been too late.
“He’s made a big and brave call, that, at the moment, has paid off.”
In other Leeds United news, a £20million-plus move and an Elland Road exit for one first-team player has been scoffed at by a transfer journalist.