Ask most Leeds United fans for the biggest weakness in Daniel Farke’s side and the majority will reply with Illan Meslier. The Frenchman has been guilty of some howlers, this season.
The Frenchman has kept 21 Championship clean sheets this season, but he has also cost Leeds points. His mistake at Sunderland cost Leeds two points, while he was arguably to blame for all three against Hull.
If Leeds are promoted, the chances are that Daniel Farke will want better between the sticks to give The Whites the best chance of survival. Tony Cascarino thinks Meslier will be replaced if Leeds do go up.
The pressure on Meslier is high and he is playing behind a defence that don’t trust him. Everyone has seen Joe Rodon’s frustration with Meslier when a mistake does happen – and Karl Darlow is poised.
Karl Darlow impresses for Wales with two reliable performances
A decent, if a bit quiet outing against Kazakhstan on the weekend was followed by an excellent display in Skopje on Tuesday night. Darlow made one excellent save to deny North Macedonia on the counter.
Not only that, but he did it while forming a partnership with Rodon. Wales Online handed Darlow a rating of 7/10 for his performance against Gjanni Alioski’s side, piling more pressure on under-fire Meslier.
“Made a really good save in the second half to deny Churlinov. Can’t really be blamed for the goal. Fairly decent outing,” Wales Online reported on Darlow, as Wales drew 1-1 with North Macedonia late on.
Could Daniel Farke consider Karl Darlow in the final eight games?
There is absolutely no way Farke drops Meslier going into Saturday’s clash against Swansea. However, if Meslier does make another howler in the next few games – then Darlow might have to be considered.
Already, Farke has had to defend Meslier on numerous occasions. He said it would be ridiculous to drop Meslier when Leeds are top of the league, but £400k signing Darlow has shown he is ready to step in.
The former Newcastle and Nottingham Forest goalkeeper is not only impressing for his country, but is also forming a good relationship with Rodon. But Meslier will almost certainly start on Saturday.
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