Illan Meslier was asked about summer signing Karl Darlow on the Official Leeds United podcast and says the goalkeeper’s arrival at Elland Road has made him more consistent and less “lazy” behind the scenes.
Meslier, 23, has been superb for Leeds over the years. But last season, it was though his potential kind of plateaued, and he struggled to replicate the form has showed in the first two Premier League years.
The Frenchman has remained at Leeds – with Darlow coming in as competition. The first time Meslier has actually got a goalkeeper to rival him, instead of just playing back-up between the sticks at Leeds.
Meslier was asked if the addition of Darlow has affected him, given the ex-Toon stopper will be keen to start – and not simply warm the bench. He says his addition is now keeping him on his toes in training.
“It is good, to be honest. I think he makes me better each day. We have a good level in training, I like it because this guy has experience and he can give some advice. Consistent in training,” Meslier said.
“Better preparation in training. It is never easy when someone arrives, but it is good because they are pushing – it forces you to be consistent, when you’re tired, the weather is not good, you cannot be lazy.”
Meslier says Darlow making him less lazy behind Leeds scenes
It is a candid take from Meslier. To admit that perhaps, a sense of comfort had creeped into his game given he was never challenged by Robles or Kris Klaesson. At least, not to begin with at Elland Road.
His form got so bad that Robles – who was signed simply to provide cover at Leeds – came in towards the end of last season. If Darlow gets the best out of Meslier then great, even if it is harsh on Darlow.
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