Tony Cascarino rages at Illan Meslier live on talkSPORT after what he saw in Leeds United 2-1 loss v Fulham
TalkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino was raging with Illan Meslier after his performance in Leeds United’s 2-1 loss to Fulham on Saturday (22 April).
The Whites fell to a fourth defeat in five games and sit outside the relegation zone by just one point with six games to play.
Meslier has been criticised for his performance in recent games, conceding 11 goals in the two fixtures prior the Fulham game, and then was questioned for his role in the two goals at the weekend, which led to Cascarino pleading with him to just do the basics while live on talkSPORT (23 April).
“He’s 6 foot what? 6? 6 foot 7? He’s a huge man,” he said.
“He was quite culpable for the first goal they conceded. I thought he could have just plucked that out of the air. And the second one he’s palmed it down, when again it’s catching the ball.
“These are basic things for goalkeepers. Now we scrutinise goalkeepers more than any other position because they’re called upon, they have to make big saves.
“I was asked to do a piece a few weeks back about Arsenal’s chance of winning the title and I said Ramsdale has to play, like he did, at Anfield. I said he’s got to make big saves.
“Goalkeepers this time of year, you’re looking for them to get you points.
“Yesterday (Saturday) the two goals they conceded, Leeds end up getting nothing out of the game and keeping themselves just above the relegation zone.
“Meslier, to me, and I’ve liked him. He’s a young French goalkeeper that’s been progressing. I know he’s conceded loads and loads of goals but just basics. Catch the ball.”
Confidence
Meslier has been a fantastic servant to Leeds United in recent years, and his performances last year were a big reason why we were able to save ourselves on the final day.
Despite the sheer number of goals that he has conceded in the Premier League, Meslier has regularly been the reliable one in the team but right now he is having a crisis of confidence.
His defence isn’t helping him by not allowing shots on goal, and he is panicking whenever he comes under pressure because of what is at stake.
He has more eyes on him now than ever before too with a spot in the international squad opening up for France, plus reported transfer interest from top clubs in the Premier League.
Javi Gracia needs to find a way to get him back to his best and quickly, because he is by far the best option we have between the sticks and we need him firing on all cylinders to stay in this division.
In other Leeds news, player given leave from Thorp Arch this month and won’t feature against Leicester.