Illan Meslier is a hot topic among Leeds United fans at the moment. For a while now, the Frenchman hasn’t been so assured in goal, culminating in points dropped for the Whites.
Leeds United fans are still reeling over the events of the 3-3 draw against Hull City earlier in January. After a poor start, the Whites came back and were leading 3-1, only for a Meslier blunder in goal allowing Hull to mount their own comeback.
Since, Meslier has been a huge talking point. There’s been reports that Leeds are open to selling Meslier before deadline day, although Daniel Farke keeps on defending the 24-year-old.
Amidst the uncertainty over Meslier’s future, Leeds have been linked with Jeremias Ledesma at River Plate, though those rumours have since been quashed.
So far this season, Meslier has bee linked with Arsenal and Manchester United, also boasting interest from Europe from teams such as Rennes and Fiorentina. But Meslier could’ve left for a Premier League club long ago. In fact, he was urged to do so.
Former Leeds United goalkeeper coach told Illan Meslier to leave
Speaking to The Athletic, former Leeds United goalkeeper coach Marcos Abad spoke about Meslier’s misfortunes of late. The now West Brom goalkeeper coach also went on to reveal that he told Meslier he should leave following relegation from the Premier League in 2023.
Abad said: “If he left the club two summers ago, I’m sure he would be playing in the Premier League in another team. This is the situation, but the pressure of Leeds now means every single detail that is not perfect is going to be pointed (out).
“My advice was maybe you had to leave, but he wanted to stay, to be promoted again with Leeds. I understand (his decision), but, sometimes, as a goalkeeper, it’s important to know when you have to leave because, if not, it’s like every single action is going to be analysed very deeply.
“This is not healthy. This is not helpful. The support of the manager (though) is very good. (Farke is) doing amazing, supporting him and leaving everyone’s doubts and the gossip behind.”
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Daniel Farke impressed with ‘professional’ Karl Darlow after Harrogate Town
Karl Darlow replaced Meslier for the FA Cup win against Harrogate Town over the weekend, as many expected. And Darlow was hailed by Farke after the game.
Farke said: “It’s always difficult when you don’t play for a while. When he does not catch a cross or the pass is not perfect, everyone gets nervous in stadium. [But Darlow’s display was] normal. Two or three situations, he was switched on. He was really professional today.”
For Meslier, is that’s odd catch or the odd poor decision that lets him down. Darlow’s experience though may mean he’s a more suitable option for Leeds right now, even if he may not be as good a shot-stopper as Meslier.
What the rest of January holds for the Frenchman remains to be seen. A January move though certainly seems like a possibility.
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