‘Harsh’… Neil Redfearn does not want 23-year-old Leeds United player dropped

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Neil Redfearn has given his verdict on Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier after watching him in action against Middlesbrough.

The former Leeds head coach does not agree with a fan who called for Meslier to be dropped.

So, what has Neil Redfearn said about Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier? Let’s take a look.

Neil Redfearn gives verdict on Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier

Well, Leeds United beat Middlesbrough 3-2 at Elland Road in the Championship on Saturday afternoon.

It was a very entertaining game, and I believe that Leeds deservedly won it.

While Illan Meslier had a good game, the French goalkeeper could have done better for the opening goal. After all, the strike was at his near post.

Meslier, though, did do well to deny Emmanuel Latte Lath in the first half.

Neil Redfearn was following the match for BBC Radio Leeds. During the post-match discussion, a Leeds fan called for Meslier to be dropped.

Former Leeds head coach Redfearn did not agree with him and defended the 23-year-old Frenchman.

Redfearn said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “Little bit harsh, maybe, I don’t know. I don’t mind Meslier.

“I think his learning curve has been similar to Struijk, Pascal Struijk, where he got hammered in the Premier League.

“As Struijk, got exposed at times, got asked the question, but they bounced back, came through that.

“Look, if Premier League clubs are looking at your goalkeeper, he is not a bad goalkeeper.”

Illan Meslier an important player for Leeds United

In my view, Illan Meslier is an important player for Leeds United and is one of the first names on the teamsheet. Jack Harrison rates him highly.

I do not think that Meslier, who has been linked with Real Madrid in the past, is perfect. The Frenchman does need to do better at crosses. He also makes the occasional mistakes.

But, we should not forget that Meslier is just 23. He is still very young and is developing as a player. We have to let him grow and must back him even when he makes mistakes.