Daniel Farke has praised the leadership role one member of his Leeds United squad has taken following the 4-0 win over Oxford.
Leeds produced their highest margin of victory of the season in their final game of 2024 at Elland Road to ensure they go into Christmas sat in the Championship’s top two.
In some extremely blustery conditions, the one moment of quality in the first half came courtesy of Manor Solomon and Dan James as the latter finished off a brilliant cross from the Israeli international.
Farke’s side then really took control of proceedings after the break as Jayden Bogle, Brenden Aaronson and Solomon then all got on the scoresheet in the space of 15 minutes.
This was just yet another game in which Leeds have completely dominated on home soil, with Oxford caretaker boss Craig Short hailing the Whites as the ‘best’ side in the division.
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Farke praises Illan Meslier leadership behind-the-scenes
One player who really did not have anything to do for much of the afternoon was Illan Meslier, who has again come away from a game at home without having to make a save.
Meslier has kept 12 clean sheets in the Championship so far this season but has rightly come in for some criticism after a few high profile errors.
The latest of Meslier’s mistakes came last week at Preston North End, and while it clearly wasn’t anywhere near as bad as Sunderland, it was one he should’ve done a lot better with.
After another quiet game, though, Farke was asked about Meslier’s confidence levels in his post-match press conference and took the microscope off his goalkeeper by praising how much of a leader he has become this season.
He said: “I have to say how well Illan has done as a person. There’s no coincidence that he has a leading role in our group. Karl [Darlow] has earned a spot in the Wales squad, it’s no coincidence.
“But a good mood in the group. Each one of my goalkeeper wants to show that he is the best. The goalkeeper has to deliver. It’s sometimes easier when you’re always involved, make 10 saves and all that. But we were so dominant that Meslier’s first action came so late.
“Today, there were two or three instances when he had to be switched on to come out of his goal and organise everything. He was switched on today.”
Could Meslier leave Leeds in January?
Farke has continued to back £5m man Meslier throughout his tenure at Leeds and so while supporters may be calling for him to be replaced in January, it looks unlikely.
However, there doesn’t seem to be a shortage of interest in his services, especially with just 18 months remaining on his deal.
Meslier is hoping to be in France‘s 2026 World Cup squad and there have been suggestions Ligue 1 side Rennes want to bring him back to his home nation.
Arsenal have also been linked with Meslier, but it feels like any move will not happen until the end of the season.
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