Neil Redfearn has lambasted Leeds United goalkeeper Ilan Meslier for a “shocking” goalkeeping performance against Sheffield Wednesday.
With a 2-0 win over the Owls at Hillsborough on Friday (8 March), Daniel Farke’s team rose back above Ipswich Town into the automatic promotion positions. Patrick Bamford and Wilfried Gnonto scored either side of halftime.
However, Meslier’s lead was nearly halved in the final minutes as he struggled to cope with a shot from Djeidi Gassama, forcing Ethan Ampadu to clear off the goalline, much to Redfearn’s chagrin.
On talkSPORT on Friday (8 March, 21:36), he stated: “That is frightening from Meslier, the goalkeeper. I mean, the ball bounces in front of him, so it’s tricky, but it comes off him, and if Smith stays vigilant there, he’ll get a tap-in.
“As it is, he still nearly forces the ball over the line but much better from Sheffield Wednesday.”
Can Illan Meslier help Leeds United gain promotion to the Premier League?
Friday night was virtually a perfect example of why Meslier is such a troublesome figure in goal for Leeds United. The Frenchman made a great save in the first half before fluffing his lines in the second.
Fortunately for the Whites goalkeeper, Ampadu was on there to pick up the pieces and clear the ball off the line, sparing his blushes. It was difficult due to the ball’s bounce, but for a keeper of his caliber, he should have done better.
Top teams in England and Europe have been linked with a move for the 24-year-old, but his little wobble in the second half on Friday night demonstrated why they have yet to make a serious bid for him.
Hopefully, Meslier can eliminate those types of blunders from his game between now and the conclusion of the season; otherwise, he may not be Farke’s first choice if Leeds gain promotion to the Premier League this season.
