Meslier faces ‘unrest’ from Leeds United teammates as replacement mooted
Illan Meslier may lose his place in the Leeds United starting lineup to Karl Darlow in the game against Sheffield Wednesday, according to Paul Robinson.
Robinson said it was “inevitable” that Meslier was dropped in the Whites’ 1-0 FA Cup win against Harrogate Town on Saturday (11 January) after he was at fault for two of Hull City’s goals in the 3-3 draw last weekend (4 January).
The former goalkeeper added that the Frenchman is low on confidence right now and suggested that Darlow might keep his place when the Owls visit Elland Road next Sunday (19 January).
“I think the change from Meslier was inevitable. He’s got all the tools in the bag, but he’s a confidence goalkeeper”, Robinson said on BBC Radio 5 (11 January, 5:51 pm).
“When he’s playing well, he makes good decisions, he makes good saves, and it goes without saying he plays very well every week.
“But, when he has a knock in confidence… the first thing Sam Allardyce did when he came here in the Premier League season, he saw that Meslier’s confidence was shot and he took him out.
“In a similar way, at the moment, he’s making bad decisions, his mistake at Hull last weekend.
“This is a really good opportunity for Daniel Farke to put Karl Darlow in, who, at 34, is still an excellent goalkeeper.
“If he does well today [Saturday; ed.], I wouldn’t be surprised if he stays in for the league match next week.”
Robinson also recalled Joe Rodon’s reaction to Meslier’s howler that led to Joao Pedro’s goal against Hull and said that he may have faced “unrest” from his teammates after the game.
“He needs a little bit of rest, Illan Meslier. He’s in the firing line, he’s under a lot of pressure”, the BBC pundit said.
“You saw Joe Rodon’s reaction to him when he conceded the goal at Hull, maybe a little bit of unrest from his teammates as well.
“When you are like that as a goalkeeper, sometimes you can’t see the wood for the trees.
“You want to keep playing, keep working and get yourself out of the situation. Sometimes, it takes a manager to put his arm around you and say, ‘Look, you need a bit of rest’ and that’s what he has done today.”
Leeds United need a new goalkeeper, Meslier cannot be trusted
There is no denying that Meslier has been a valuable player for Leeds United since arriving initially on loan from Lorient in 2019.
However, it appears the time has come for the Elland Road outfit to move the 24-year-old on and bring in a new first-choice goalkeeper.
The game against Hull City was not the first time Meslier has cost Daniel Farke’s side points in the Championship this season.
He was also at fault as Leeds drew 2-2 against Sunderland on 4 October and dropped two more points from a winning position.
With the January transfer window open, there is no reason why the Yorkshire-based club cannot sign a new goalkeeper for the second half of the season.
It would also make sense for Leeds to sign a new shot-stopper if they want to earn promotion and stay in the Premier League for years to come.
As for Meslier, it appears his development has stagnated recently. A move away from West Yorkshire might, therefore, stand him in good stead.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites’ EFL rivals have entered the race to sign one of Farke’s players.
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