One moment has ‘annihilated’ Leeds United man’s season, he’s Beren Cross’ lowest-rated player

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One Leeds United player has been told he ‘annihilated’ his season following the game at Sunderland last time out.

Leeds United are taking another break for international fixtures, in what is the second international break of the season.

Several players have ventured out of Elland Road, including Joe Rodon who struggled for Wales in their 2-2 draw against Iceland on Thursday night.

Meanwhile, Daniel Farke will be keen for some minutes on the training ground with his players, with the Whites currently three points behind Sunderland in 1st.

The two teams met at the Stadium of Light last time out, and Leeds were on their way to what would’ve been an incredible victory on the road.

But in the final minute, Illan Meslier fumbled a simple catch, letting the ball trickle past him and into the back of the net for a late Sunderland equaliser.

Beren Cross says that Meslier’s error against Sunderland has destroyed the Frenchman’s average rating for this season so far.

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Beren Cross unimpressed with Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier

Meslier, 24, has been with Leeds United for a long time now. He joined from Lorient in 2019 and has been the main no.1 for the past five seasons now.

The Frenchman has racked up 184 appearances and has 54 clean sheets. But Beren Cross writes for Leeds Live that Meslier is the player with the lowest average rating this season.

Cross said: “In a season where it’s already been hard for Meslier to stand out because of United’s attacking dominance, that blunder at Sunderland annihilated his average player rating.

“Clean sheets have been there, with the help of his defence, as well as some good saves, but not called into action a whole lot.”

Meslier received criticism for laughing with Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris after the game last week, though the pair worked together at Lorient.

So far this season, Meslier has five clean sheets in nine league games, average 1.8 saves-per-game, though he has conceded seven in the four games that Leeds haven’t kept a clean sheet.

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Could Karl Darlow be primed for a shot in goal

Naturally, Farke will want to eradicate the weak links from his side, and make it overall as strong as possible.

Cross’ evaluation of Meslier is a damning one. He’s by far the lowest-ranked Leeds player, per Cross’ ratings, and that error against Sunderland seems unforgivable.

It cost Leeds a huge two points and it could well dent Meslier’s confidence. If a similar kind of error occurs again, or Meslier doesn’t seem as confident in goal, then Farke may be willing to field Karl Darlow.

He’s an experienced, tried and tested goalkeeper at Championship level, and he’d no doubt relish the chance to prove his worth in the Leeds XI.