Illan Meslier ‘trust’ verdict shared as Daniel Farke set to make Leeds United call
Adam Pope has suggested Daniel Farke will not drop Leeds United ace Illan Meslier for their game against Sheffield United on 18 October.
Meslier has found himself under a lot of attention after his 97th-minute blunder against Sunderland on Friday (4 October) gifted the home side a late equaliser.
Within their ranks, Leeds have two stellar goalkeepers in Meslier and Karl Darlow. The latter is the obvious number two but, since the Frenchman’s costly mistake, the rumour mill has started to turn in the favour of the Wales international.
Speaking on the Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet podcast (7 October), the BBC journalist shared his thoughts on Farke’s trust in Meslier.
“Sheffield United at home is the next game, which is a huge game under the spotlight. Sheffield United will be doing their best to give Meslier a hard time but if he takes him out of that game, he’s basically telling him he doesn’t trust him in the big games,” he said.
“I don’t get the impression that he’s about to do that. He wanted to speak about all the positive stuff in that game, which included a brilliant save from Meslier at the beginning when he was then let down by others afterwards. I don’t see him pulling him out”.
Leeds United should stick with Illan Meslier
Although Meslier’s recent media coverage is well deserved due to the severity of his blunder, it shouldn’t take away from the countless good saves he’s made this season.
Last term was the best of the Frenchman’s career as he got 21 clean sheets across all competitions and became one of Leeds’ strongest players.
His teammates’ reactions to the mistake were somewhat mixed. Junior Firpo had the ‘worst’ reaction as he stormed down the tunnel and failed to console his goalkeeper.
Indeed, his deflection helped put the ball into the back of the net but the ball appeared to bounce strangely in front of Meslier so there was nothing he could do about it.
Darlow is a stellar backup but Meslier is still the far better keeper, even though he’s prone to the odd mistake now and then.
The game against the Blades will be one of Farke’s biggest challenges of the season, but the Whites will be hoping to leave Elland Road with an extra three points to add to their tally.
In other Leeds news, an update has been shared on Manor Solomon.
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