If anything has been key to Leeds United ending their blip and reinvigorating their push for automatic promotion, it is the decision to drop Illan Meslier and start Karl Darlow.
Darlow came in against Luton Town and while Leeds didn’t win, there was more of an assured feeling with Wales’ no.1 between the sticks. After the 1-1 draw in Bedfordshire, Leeds have won three games in a row.
In that time, two clean sheets for Darlow at Middlesbrough and then Oxford United. It’s not like Darlow has been left with little to do, the former Newcastle United man pulling off a range of excellent saves.
He might have handled outside of his area against Preston, but Darlow has looked largely assured and without a major error – something which became renowned with Illan Meslier’s form between the sticks.
What Dom Matteo has noticed about Karl Darlow at Leeds United
Prior to his run of four matches, Darlow had only played seven times for Leeds since joining in 2023. But Darlow has come in as if he had been playing every week, starring for Wales during the March break.
Speaking to LUTV’s Extra Time after the win over Oxford United, Elland Road legend Dom Matteo shared what he had noticed about Darlow since the Wales goalkeeper had come into the side in recent games.
“Karl Darlow has steadied the ship. It’s so good. A calming influence, an experienced guy. Not had the game time he probably wanted, but he’s stepped up at the right time. The right time for him to come in.”
How Karl Darlow’s four games compare to Illan Meslier form
Everyone had seen the reactions of the Leeds players when Meslier made mistakes. The look of utter astonishment against Hull, the frustration when he did it again against Swansea – a lack of any trust.
Leeds needed to make the change simply to provide the defenders with someone they could rely on when it came to making saves, and catching crosses or set-pieces. Darlow has provided Leeds with that.
Illan Meslier and Karl Darlow’s stats in the Championship this season:
| Name | Games | Minutes | Clean sheets | Goals conceded | Save % | Minutes per goals conceded | Major errors |
| Karl Darlow | 4 | 360 | 2 | 2 | 50 | 180 | 0 |
| Illan Meslier | 39 | 3510 | 21 | 27 | 70.7% | 130 | 3 |
Farke is said to be considering Meslier’s future with Rennes and Leicester interested in doing a deal this summer. With his contract ending in 2026, it does feel like Meslier has played his last game for Leeds.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
