Leeds United are in the thick of a promotion battle, yet once again, their fate may come down to the dreaded play-offs.
Daniel Farke’s side have been strong for much of the season, but individual mistakes have cost them dearly. One player in particular has been responsible for more dropped points than most: goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
The French shot-stopper has been a liability, with costly errors across multiple campaigns proving the difference between automatic promotion and another tense end to the season. If Leeds are serious about returning to the Premier League, they must replace Meslier next season.
Here are five reasons why.
Sunderland Catastrophe
Perhaps the most egregious of Meslier’s errors came in a crucial match against Sunderland. Leeds had fought back to take the lead at the Stadium of Light and were moments away from a massive three points against a fellow promotion contender. All they had to do was defend one final set piece.
Instead, Meslier produced an all-time howler. A simple deflection off Junior Firpo sent the ball bouncing harmlessly toward him, but the goalkeeper completely misjudged the bounce, allowing it to slip past him and gift Sunderland an equaliser at the death. Two valuable points evaporated in an instant, and the result could have massive implications in the final standings.
Arsenal Nightmare
Leeds entered their 2021/22 clash with Arsenal just two points above the relegation zone, needing a composed performance to steady their campaign. Instead, Meslier’s costly hesitation effectively ended the contest within five minutes.
A simple back pass should have been dealt with routinely, yet Meslier hesitated under pressure from Eddie Nketiah. The Arsenal forward pounced, robbing the goalkeeper and slotting the ball into an empty net. Leeds went on to lose, and while they ultimately survived relegation, such moments of panic have been all too frequent in Meslier’s career.
Everton Calamity
The 2022/23 season was already shaping up to be a disaster for Leeds when they travelled to Goodison Park for a relegation six-pointer against Everton. With the game finely poised, Meslier’s bizarre positioning handed the Toffees victory.
With nobody in the box for a cross, Seamus Coleman took a speculative shot from the right flank. Rather than standing his ground, Meslier was caught out of position, allowing the ball to fly straight past him into the net. It was an embarrassing goal to concede at such a crucial time, and it epitomised his lack of awareness between the sticks.
Hull Horror Show
Leeds had seemingly wrapped up three points against Hull City earlier this season, holding a two-goal lead heading into the final stages. But once again, Meslier’s inability to deal with set pieces came back to haunt them.
A looping cross into the box should have been routine for any competent goalkeeper, yet Meslier inexplicably fumbled the ball under minimal pressure. The mistake directly led to Hull’s equaliser, and Leeds dropped two more points in a game they had dominated. Set-piece struggles have plagued him throughout his time at Elland Road, and this was just the latest example.
Sheffield United Own Goal
In a top-of-the-table clash against Sheffield United, Meslier nearly single-handedly cost Leeds one of their most important wins of the season. He initially made a brilliant reaction save from Callum O’Hare, only to then fumble a header off the post into his own net moments later.
Leeds ultimately recovered to win, but once again, Meslier’s erratic shot-stopping underlined why he cannot be trusted in high-pressure moments. In the biggest games, a goalkeeper needs to be a source of confidence, not panic.
Time For A Change
Meslier’s repeated errors have held Leeds back for too long. If the Whites are to finally return to the Premier League, they need a goalkeeper they can rely on. Whether they achieve promotion or not, this summer has to mark the end of Meslier’s time as Leeds’ No. 1.
