Illan Meslier slammed on Sky Sports despite not playing in Leeds United v Middlesbrough
Illan Meslier was criticised by Sky Sports co-commentator Andy Hinchcliffe during Wednesday’s (14 August) EFL Cup tie between Leeds United and Middlesbrough despite not playing in the game.
Meslier watched on from the bench as Karl Darlow took his place between the sticks for the first-round clash, with Boro outclassing Leeds to stroll to a 3-0 win at Elland Road.
Hinchcliffe made a comment about Meslier [14 August] when discussing Daniel Farke’s goalkeeping options during the first half of the contest with the game at that point goalless.
Responding to Seb Hutchinson talking about the Frenchman, Hinchcliffe said live on Sky: “I just don’t think he’s that great of a goalkeeper.”
Could Leeds United drop Meslier?
At both Premier League and Championship level, it has to be said that Meslier has put in some superb performances, and it is some feat to go into a fifth consecutive season as number one at a club of Leeds’ stature at the age of 24, especially as a nominated vice-captain in the dressing room of this term.
There was talk of Meslier potentially making an international bow for France, being taken to international tournaments and getting a lucrative Premier League after Leeds went down.
But in their second season since suffering the drop, Meslier is still at the club and whilst remaining number one, attracted criticism to begin the new campaign after an unconvincing display against Portsmouth last Saturday – which former Leeds stopper Paul Robinson was quick to defend.
Second in-command Darlow has a wealth of EFL experience and whilst garnering critics of his own, is a senior pro with whom Farke would not have to worry about adaption to the league and handling the pressure of a big club.
Alex Cairns was also brought in this summer from Salford City for a nominal fee, and at 31 may feel as if he can work his way into the reckoning should the German decide to shuffle his pack.
There is potentially more pressure on Meslier between the sticks than has been let on so far.
In other Leeds news, Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been asked about Georginio Rutter.
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