Illan Meslier faces ruthless Daniel Farke axe after 0% shocker v Middlesbrough, Karl Darlow can step up
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has constantly chopped and changed his starting XI this season, and that is understandable given the busy fixture list and indeed the recent international breaks.
But the boss decided to break tradition for the clash with Middlesbrough on Saturday (2 December), with Farke naming an unchanged side from the one that defeated Swansea City 3-1 on Wednesday (29 November).
Despite the 3-2 win, the German may have regretted that decision at the full-time whistle at Elland Road given the roller-coaster game that unfolded before his eyes.
It should mean that Farke will change things up for the trip to Blackburn Rovers next Saturday (9 November) as he looks to freshen his starting XI.
And one area that he should consider changing is goalkeeper, with Illan Meslier not enjoying the best of afternoons against Boro.
Not only did the Frenchman concede two goals on home soil, he misplaced five of his 26 passes, resulting in an 81% passing accuracy [Sofascore].
Farke will not be best pleased with the goalkeeper’s inability to keep the ball, with Meslier failing to complete any of his five attempted long balls (0%), resulting in the number one losing possession five times.
Moreover, Meslier made just two saves during his 90 minutes on the pitch, with Sofascore handing the 23-year-old a 6.3 rating out of 10, the worst of all of Farke’s starting players.
Having brought in Karl Darlow in the summer transfer window, Farke clearly has a plan for the reserve goalkeeper, but it shouldn’t solely involve cup action.
The 33-year-old has only appeared twice so far for Leeds, and those matches came in the EFL Cup ties against Shrewsbury Town and Salford City.
His minutes have dried up in recent times given how the Whites are now out of that competition, but he shouldn’t count himself out of a start against Blackburn next time out.
In other Leeds United news, a fresh stance on one Whites loanee has emerged as West Ham, Crystal Palace and Fulham eye the player.