Meslier ‘unprofessional’ as BBC pundit calls out what he did in Leeds v Hull
Jon Newsome showed Illan Meslier no mercy after his underwhelming performance in the 3-3 draw between Leeds United and Hull City on Saturday.
The BBC pundit believes Meslier was partially or fully at fault for all the three goals the Whites conceded at the MKM Stadium on 4 January.
He admitted that he thought the Frenchman was unfortunate after his error cost his side two points against Sunderland in October, but said that his performance against Hull reeked of unprofessionalism.
“I think it’s unprofessional”, Newsome said on BBC West Yorkshire’s Football Forum (4 January).
“Everybody makes mistakes, we get that. We talked about the one at Sunderland, I thought he was unfortunate, you can pick pieces out of it, but he was a little bit unfortunate there.
“But, you look at the one today [Saturday, 4 January], the second goal especially, I really don’t know what is going through his mind.
“As I said, I think it’s unprofessional. Is it verging on a little bit of arrogance that you know, ‘I can do what I want to do’ rather than be playing the game in the way that the game should be played?
“And then the third goal, I think is very similar, I think questions got to be asked about that as well.
“You concede three goals today and, in effect, the goalkeeper has played a major, huge part in all three of them.”
Leeds United must sign Noel Tornqvist now after Meslier errors v Hull
This is not the first time question marks have risen over Meslier’s ability to continue as Leeds’ first-choice goalkeeper.
The game against Hull is proof that the West Yorkshire outfit must sign a new goalkeeper now if they want to avoid slipping up in the promotion race.
Farke’s side have been credited with a “concrete” interest in Noel Tornqvist [FotbollDirekt] and fans will be hopeful that a transfer comes to fruition after witnessing Meslier’s horror show on Saturday.
The Elland Road outfit reportedly have real chances of signing the Mjallby shot-stopper for £1million during the ongoing transfer window.
Even if the 22-year-old is not ready to take over as Farke’s number one straightaway, the competition could perhaps get the best out of Meslier.
Meanwhile, Leeds have set their sights on strengthening their defence for the second half of the season, opening talks with Nottingham Forest over a deal for Andrew Omobamidele [The Sun].
The deal could be a loan with a guaranteed buy clause for £10m.
In other Leeds United news, Wayne Rooney’s sacking at Plymouth Argyle has scuppered the Whites’ transfer plans.
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