Illan Meslier is taking plenty of heat from Leeds United fans and beyond in the footballing world after his two disastrous mistakes during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Swansea City.
Had it been Meslier’s first mistakes of the season, he might have been forgiven by Leeds fans especially as he saved a penalty in the first half. But, Meslier is possibly on his third or fourth chance just this season.
Sunderland saw him throw the ball in his own net in injury time. Hull saw Meslier to blame for arguably all three goals in a 3-3 draw, certainly two. Then on Saturday, two more calamitious mistakes in a 2-2 draw.
All three games ended in draws, and those extra six points would have Leeds four points clear of Sheffield United. Aidy White thinks Meslier will be dropped, but Ross McCormack says Farke will stick with Meslier.
Darren Bent says if Daniel Farke will stick with Illan Meslier
Farke has defended Meslier before, but is left in a position where he will be handing Meslier another chance while Wales’ no.1 goalkeeper waits in the wings. What message does it send if he keeps Meslier?
But the German’s loyalty to his starting players is remarkable. Brenden Aaronson has started 37 league games in a row now despite his poor form. Darren Bent has told TalkSPORT he thinks Meslier will start.
Leeds face Luton on Saturday and Bent said: “Mad one. He got there in 2019 from Lorient. I think they will stick with him – he’s a good goalkeeper, he makes good saves. But there’s a rick in him, a bad rick. Crazy.”
Could we have seen Meslier play his last game for Leeds?
Sam Allardyce dropped Meslier when he was presented with a similar situation for his four-game spell in charge at Elland Road. The former England boss said he had to do it for his own sake, and Meslier’s.
Farke is unlikely to drop Meslier at Luton now, given it is such a pivotal point of the season. But if he does drop Meslier, it could mean that Leeds have seen the last of the Frenchman between the Leeds sticks.
With his contract expiring in 2026, promotion will see Leeds pursue a new goalkeeper. Leeds are keen on activating Aaron Ramsdale’s relegation clause, with Meslier likely to leave whatever division Leeds are in.
If he is dropped, Darlow is likely to remain in goal for the remaining seven games – nine or 10, if Leeds go into the play-offs. So, Meslier may have played his last game if Farke does axe him, but it seems unlikely.
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