The next few days will be tough for Illan Meslier and Daniel Farke has got to decide whether to keep the Frenchman in goal for Leeds United – when The Whites go to Luton Town on Saturday.
Meslier made two horrendous mistakes as Leeds United failed to beat Swansea City at Elland Road on Saturday and of course, it is not the first time it has happened. Similar mistakes to Hull and Sunderland.
These mistakes are not little ones, either. Howlers, errors normally seen on a blooper reel. His drop at the feet of Harry Darling, and allowing Zan Vipotnik’s shot past him has come at the worst possible time.
The failure to win came as a crushing blow on 96 minutes, just as Sheffield United and Burnley recorded wins. Aidy White thinks it is impossible for Farke to stick with Meslier – but the chances are, he will.
Ross McCormack says if he would drop Illan Meslier vs Luton
Sam Allardyce did it for the final four games of the 2022-23 season, bringing in Joel Robles. Now, Farke is handed the same dilemma – with the likelihood being that Farke keeps Meslier between the Leeds sticks.
He’s defended Meslier before and will do it again. But, should he consider Karl Darlow to start for Leeds in the final seven games? Welsh media praised Darlow for his two Wales matches alongside Joe Rodon.
Ross McCormack told TalkSPORT on Monday (31/03, 8.50AM) that Meslier is likely to keep his place given the back-up is not up to it, in the form of Darlow: “Listen, he’s won Leeds points this season as well.
“It’s important not to jump down his throat too much – but it’s not the first time. But the back-up goalkeepers are not of the standard to come and replace him,” former Leeds skipper McCormack added.
Why Karl Darlow deserves more credit than he’s receiving
A lot of Leeds fans agree with McCormack’s take, that Darlow is not up to starting for a club like Leeds. Certainly, the odd Cup outing has not given fans much hope. But this is an international goalkeeper.
No.1 for Wales under Craig Bellamy, a player with more than 150 Championship appearances and north of 50 to his name in the Premier League. The 34-year-old knows what he’s doing, in the heat of battle.
| League | Games | Minutes | Goals conceded | Clean sheets | Minutes per goal conceded |
| Championship | 154 | 13731 | 193 | 48 | 71.1 |
| Premier League | 52 | 4680 | 84 | 9 | 55.7 |
The chances are that Farke will stick with Meslier rather than risk the unbalance a change in goal may cause but if he does opt for Darlow, the drop off might not be as bad as people have suggested.
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