Joe Cole has told BT Sport that Javi Gracia should be dropping Leeds United star Illan Meslier ahead of Tuesday night’s clash against Leicester City – because his disappointing form is affecting his Leeds teammates on the pitch.
Meslier, 23, conceded another two goals against Leicester on Saturday. He was at fault for the first, flapping at a cross from Willian and allowing Harry Wilson to smash the ball into the net, off the underside of the Leeds crossbar.
Then, an Antonee Robinson cross was palmed straight into the danger zone by Meslier – allowing Andreas Pereira to score the easiest goal of his life. It comes after Meslier was criticised for his form in the 6-1 defeat to Liverpool.
You can hardly blame Meslier. Time after time, the Frenchman has been called upon to save Leeds when the Whites are playing in such an attacking manner, and gaps are open at the back. But his form of late has been questionable.
Cole was asked if Leeds should make a change and he says if he was in Gracia’s shoes, he would make the switch to bring in veteran Joel Robles: “Without a doubt, Gracia and his staff will be considering it. I would take him out.
“For the lad’s good, and for the team. It would be a positive move. When goalkeepers are not having it behind you, it changes what you do as a defender. It filters up the team. Robles, get him in the team, it’s a big call. I would do it.”
Cole: Gracia should be dropping Leeds star Meslier ahead of Leicester
Meslier is a mainstay in this Leeds side, a key player and at his best, is one of our best players. A slice of sympathy should be afforded to the Frenchman who has had to make save after save for Leeds over the last three seasons.
Indeed at Fulham, he made some superb stops. So, while he was at fault for Fulham’s goals, it would be a massive risk to throw in Robles – who, while experienced, lacks match sharpness. Keeping Meslier in goal is less of a risk.
