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New York Times
01-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Leeds United squad audit: The Premier League beckons. Who is ready?
Promotion at Leeds United has delivered joyous scenes across the club and the wider city since it was confirmed. There was the night Burnley beat Sheffield United to seal the deal, Monday's demolition of Bristol City with the subsequent celebrations inside Elland Road and then we come to Saturday away to Plymouth Argyle. With the hosts virtually relegated and Leeds chasing the title, it should be another historic day on the south coast. Advertisement The players have, quite rightly, been enjoying themselves since a top-two finish was secured. The owners were on the pitch after the Bristol City win too, congratulating the squad and backroom staff. As Daniel Farke has explained, what's the sense in any of this sacrifice if you do not enjoy it when you have success? While everyone has tried to live in the moment and soak up this special fortnight, attention within the club will be on how they go about staying in the Premier League. Many of the players who have contributed to promotion are likely to have minor roles next season, if at all. The Athletic has carried out an audit of the first-team squad as of the end of this season. This factors in the various loan deals that will have concluded by June 30 and those players returning to their parent clubs. Karl Darlow (contract expires 2026) The 34-year-old finishes this season as first-choice goalkeeper. While he rarely impressed in the isolated appearances he was given in cup competition, Darlow has helped everyone breathe a sigh of relief over the past month. As the team have grown more and more dominant throughout April, Darlow has had less and less to do, but the cheers for virtually every catch he made against Preston North End spoke volumes. This is a fanbase which has been through the ringer between the sticks, but Darlow's been a sight for sore eyes. As has been the trend for much of his career, the expectation is that Darlow returns to being a back-up goalkeeper next season, with a new No 1 likely to be targeted. Illan Meslier (contract expires 2026) With one year left on the deal he signed in 2021, when his stock was at its highest, a parting of the ways feels natural with the Frenchman. Meslier could not have asked for more support from Farke. There were highs and lows last season, but the lows in this second campaign under the manager have been hard to swallow. The concessions at home to Portsmouth, away to Sunderland, away to Hull City and at home to Swansea City will not be quickly forgotten. Advertisement Darlow's competence has only shone a light on the fragility Meslier played with. A sale, but not at anything like the fee United may have got four years ago, seems certain. Alex Cairns (contract expires 2026) Cairns is arguably the most popular member of the dressing room. The third-choice goalkeeper has not played a single minute this season, but has been a welcome, reassuring voice behind the scenes. The 32-year-old returned to West Yorkshire with every hope of forcing his way past Meslier and Darlow, but at no stage has he thrown his toys out of the pram because of his watching brief. He helps with the homegrown quota and looks like the ideal fit as third-choice next season, too. Jayden Bogle (contract expires 2028) Bogle has Premier League experience. He made 50 appearances across two seasons with Sheffield United, but both campaigns ended in 20th place. He would argue he is a better player now. He has never started more games in a campaign than he has with Leeds under Farke in 2024-25. He's been tremendous virtually all season, but especially so since spring arrived. The 24-year-old will feel he has something to prove in the top flight. While fiercer competition for him may be needed at right-back, Bogle is at least among those on the list who have a chance of making the grade in 2025-26. Isaac Schmidt (contract expires 2028) For all of the positive comments Farke has made about the Swiss full-back, he goes into the final day of the season with only 78 minutes of league football behind him this term. There has evidently been reluctance from Farke in using Schmidt, and you wonder how that translates into an even tougher challenge. The 25-year-old has been encouraging in moments, but you wonder how much appetite he has for what will surely be another year spent watching more than playing. Joe Rodon (contract expires 2028) After 15 appearances with Tottenham Hotspur, including only eight starts, in the top flight, Rodon is yet to be properly tested at that level. There is no doubt he is too good for the Championship on the evidence of the past two seasons. Not only has he been a reliable and durable starter, but Rodon has been commanding in defence and assured in possession. He is going to be facing far more accomplished strikers in the Premier League, so this will not be an easy transition. Advertisement Like Bogle, Rodon does not need upgrading. Pascal Struijk (contract expires 2027) Injuries have been the biggest challenge Struijk has struggled with over the past two years. When he plays, the vice-captain has been solid at the heart of defence and, crucially, one of the few players in the team with an attacking aerial threat. The side will need to do a lot of defending next season, and the club is bound to look for fresh faces in central defence. Struijk could be one of those under pressure to be a starter. Having been bought as a youth player in 2018, Struijk is one of the players who would generate a meaningful profit if the club did need to ease any profit and sustainability rules (PSR) this summer. Max Wober (contract expires 2027) Like Brenden Aaronson, the Austrian returned to the club under a cloud last summer. Unlike the American, however, Wober never stayed fit enough to win over the supporters. The 27-year-old did manage to find the net in a home win over Derby County, but has not been seen frequently. Wober was one of the few players to emerge with any credit from 2023's relegation, but you would not be surprised if he sought pastures new. James Debayo (contract unknown) Nothing has been said officially about Debayo's contract situation by Leeds. As someone who barely got beyond the bench this season, it's hard to see him figuring next term. An exit of some description seems most likely. Junior Firpo (contract expires summer 2025) For all of his flaws during his two years in the top flight, Firpo has been superb in the Championship. In a team which has dominated possession and territory, Firpo has been effectively freed of any defensive duties. The former Barcelona full-back frequently pops up like a striker. Only Joel Piroe, Daniel James and Manor Solomon have been involved in more goals this season. Advertisement Firpo's status among the fanbase has no doubt improved too. Transgressions in the Premier League have been forgotten, and he now has two of the best chants in the supporters' songbook. However, in a team which will have to defend a lot next season, Firpo is unlikely to have the attributes needed to stop any bleeding. Perhaps he's offered a back-up role, but it would not be a surprise if he was ready for a new challenge. Sam Byram (contract expires summer 2025) You can see the trend emerging at left-back. This is where they will need to be busy. Byram is one of Farke's favourites, and he has played more than most people would have expected since he returned in 2023. However, is he ready for the robust challenge of the Premier League? He helps with the homegrown quota and is a solid defender but an upgrade is needed. Ethan Ampadu (contract expires 2027) Ampadu will continue to be one of the first names on the teamsheet while Farke is in charge. According to sources at Leeds, kept anonymous to protect relationships, the captain is one of the few players the club has confidence can make the step up. He will keep the armband and be a crucial figure in midfield. Ao Tanaka (contract expires 2028) Another of those who has looked several cuts above the Championship when at his best. The physicality and the speed of the Premier League has caused some questions about Tanaka inside the club, but if anyone is going to retain their place in the top division, it's the Japan international. Tanaka's passing has been a joy to watch. Ilia Gruev (contract expires 2027) Not quite a starter when everyone is fit, but the Bulgaria international has the basic attributes to at least be a functional member of the squad. Seems to enjoy a fight in the trenches, and there will be lots of that. Advertisement Darko Gyabi (contract expires 2026) Gyabi was given a brief chance in the early weeks of Farke's first season, but did not make the grade before being loaned out. Was sent out again last summer and ended up making more league appearances than anyone else at Plymouth this season. It is hard to believe he is ready to feature frequently in the top flight. Perhaps a contract extension and another loan to the Championship may give Leeds one last look at the 21-year-old's long-term potential. Charlie Crew (contract expires 2028) The 18-year-old has three years to go on his contract. Having played a part in Doncaster Rovers' League Two promotion, the next logical step would be a full campaign in the third tier. Josuha Guilavogui (contract expires summer 2025) The veteran only came in when United's midfield department was at breaking point. In the end, Tanaka and Joe Rothwell proved more than able to hold the fort, but, in the meantime, Guilavogui has quietly become a key part of the dressing room. There's no chance of him being offered new terms, but you would not be surprised in a few years if several members of this squad talk up the crucial part the French midfielder played in their success. Brenden Aaronson (contract expires 2027) In a team which has dominated most of this division, it is hard to pick out too many flaws. Aaronson has worked hard and played a key role — starting 42 games — but there have long been question marks over the No 10 position and the options available to Farke. Aaronson has left everything on the pitch to get the team promoted, but question marks about his end product in the Championship are hardly going to dissipate in the Premier League. The 24-year-old has been left out of one USMNT squad this year, and he will have one eye on his club minutes before next summer's World Cup. Leeds might look to add at No 10. And there is a world in which, with the World Cup in mind, Aaronson might want to move. Sam Greenwood (contract expires 2026) Now 23, Greenwood seems to have found his level in the second tier. A promising loan with Middlesbrough has been followed by a Preston switch, which has generated eight goal involvements from 37 appearances. With one year left on his deal, a permanent switch seems likely — he will have plenty of suitors in the Championship. Daniel James (contract expires 2026) The Wales international knows he will have to prove himself all over again after promotion, but his performances over the last two seasons have given hope he can make the step up. With one year left on his deal, James is likely to be one of the club's priorities in contract talks. With reinforcements expected across the attacking positions in the team, James will be pushed to keep his starting berth. Advertisement Wilfried Gnonto (contract expires 2028) In the first year under Farke, Gnonto started less than half of the league games. This season, he's going to finish with 26 if he continues at Home Park on Saturday. In each campaign, he's been overshadowed by two other wingers. Gnonto does not look consistent enough in the final third to be one of United's first-choice wingers if they hope to survive the drop. The Italian will be delighted to be back in the top flight as he eyes the World Cup. At 21, with three years still to run on his deal, Gnonto should not be too unhappy about being an impact player from the bench. Like Struijk, the forward is one of the players Leeds could generate a sizeable PSR boost from. Largie Ramazani (contract expires 2028) When he played, and it was not very often, Ramazani looked better than decent. With six goals and two assists from his 785 minutes, the Belgian virtually averaged one goal contribution per 90 minutes. For whatever reason, Farke struggled to put his faith in Ramazani. Is Farke going to feel keener to play Ramazani against even tougher opposition next year? Ramazani has something about him, and Leeds will be reluctant to ignore that, especially with three years still to run on his contract. Perhaps his fate will be dictated by who United are able to bring in. Jack Harrison (contract expires 2028) Solomon's impending return to Tottenham does open up a slot on the wings for Harrison, but has too much water passed under the bridge? Three consecutive loans with Leeds before a permanent transfer have been followed by another two consecutive loans with Everton. However legitimate the reasons were for Harrison choosing to leave on loan for two years in a row, the optics are not great on him now returning. If Aaronson and Wober had a tall order returning after one season away, you can sense how frosty the reception may be for Harrison. Advertisement It would not be a shock to see the winger find a move this summer, but the contract he signed in April 2023, after being pulled out of a Leicester City transfer at the 11th hour, is lucrative. Finding another club that is prepared to get close to those wages may be United's hardest task. Should he stay, the reviews from Everton on his past two years have hardly been glowing. Sam Chambers (contract expires 2028) A loan move looks highly likely for the 17-year-old. Joel Piroe (contract expires 2027) Borja Sainz will back himself to add to his 17 goals against relegated Cardiff City but Piroe has one hand on the Championship's Golden Boot with 19. Some strikers do make the leap from the second tier to the top flight and keep scoring such as Ivan Toney, Jamie Vardy and Chris Wood. Is Piroe in that bracket? He's never played in the top flight, and it would be unfair to prejudge. Piroe will be at Elland Road next season and he will get that chance, but he should not be surprised when Leeds go after extra firepower too. In the worst-case scenario, Piroe is a poacher Leeds can turn to from the bench; in the best case, he hits double figures and proves himself. Patrick Bamford (contract expires 2026) Seven years after arriving under Marcelo Bielsa, Bamford is still plugging away. For the fourth consecutive season, injury problems have dogged the England international. To his credit, he has impressed in his late run of cameos this spring. With one year left on his contract and a need for upgrades across the squad, Bamford could find his place in the group under scrutiny. It is no secret Bamford is among the highest earners and Leeds may feel those wages could be better spent. Bamford himself must be open to a move. He will be 32 before the end of the year and will likely start the new season behind Piroe in the pecking order, if not a new striker too. Does he want another year to slip away on the bench? Advertisement Mateo Joseph (contract expires 2028) His outstanding display away to Chelsea last season, subsequent cameos and red-hot pre-season had everyone thinking the Spaniard may become United's premier striker. Sadly, the 21-year-old has fallen short of those hopes. He's averaged one goal for about every five full matches he has completed. There is faith in his potential, and his performances with Spain's under-21s show there is a predator in there, but the top flight could come too soon. A loan seems his most likely route, but don't be surprised if Spanish outfits test United's resolve again, as they did in January. Harry Gray (youth contract) Gray is 17 in October and signing him to a professional deal will be among the biggest priorities. What exposure do Leeds look to give him next term? If he is going to be as good as all his coaches believe, then minutes from the bench should not be out of the question. The season after next may see his real breakthrough, but this is a talent Farke will want to keep close throughout 2025-26. Should Bamford and Joseph find themselves elsewhere at the end of August, Gray could form the club's striking unit alongside Piroe and a new face. Joe Gelhardt (contract expires 2027) It was not so long ago that Gelhardt was being described in a similar way to how Gray. Gelhardt has played often for Hull City since his January loan, and that will stand him in good stead. The big decision for United is whether they sell or loan the 22-year-old. Gelhardt could comfortably be someone Leeds regret losing in four or five years' time if it clicks elsewhere. (Top photos: Getty Images)
BBC News
13-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'Darlow in just in time to secure promotion'
Every curling ball lofted into the Leeds box this season has caused unease among the fanbase because goalkeeper Illan Meslier's mistakes from flaps, punches and parries have shredded when Karl Darlow reached up into the spring sunshine and caught a couple of crosses on his home league debut on Saturday lunchtime, those catches were celebrated like Leeds' new number one, the game couldn't have gone much Wales international's name was sung, he could not be blamed for Kaine Kesler-Hayden's thunderous strike for Preston and Darlow's team mates rallied around him after his one goalkeeper's performances in the past two games have been close to flawless and there is a clear boost to the mood of the side. The defenders, who had been visibly affected by former preferred-starter Meslier's form, look far more comfortable the hundreds of Championship games he has managed, Daniel Farke had never previously changed his starting goalkeeper. Maybe this is why it took so long to make that decision, but it clearly should have been made far years ago both Meslier and Darlow were getting peppered in the Premier League. But the then Newcastle keeper Darlow outperformed his now team-mate, during the first half of the season with his 71.76 'save percentage' being the best in the English top division among goalkeepers who had faced over 200 the metric that measures a goalkeeper's performance against expected goals (post-shot expected goals minus goals allowed), over his career, Darlow has conceded 30 fewer goals than expected against Meslier's Darlow contracted until summer 2026, it is surely time to move on from Meslier and I expect Leeds will look to replace him whatever happens this addition to looking like a significant upgrade, it feels like he has replaced Meslier just in time to secure Leeds promotion.
Telegraph
03-04-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Refusing to drop error-prone Illan Meslier could cost Leeds promotion
Loyalty is an admirable quality in football, and to be commended in the right circumstances, but the question for Leeds United manager Daniel Farke is has it also made him blind to the deficiencies of goalkeeper Illan Meslier? Certainly Leeds supporters have seen enough to argue the 25-year-old has become a liability rather than an insurance policy in goal. Meslier is making so many mistakes, leading to so many goals, that it could cost Farke's side automatic promotion. Anger is rising and Farke's refusal to drop the Frenchman is akin to juggling with a hand grenade, before you throw it, after the pin has been taken out. Given their recent history, the last thing Leeds want to do, as they look to clamber back into the Premier League, is navigate their way through the play-offs. A few weeks ago, they looked all but assured of a top-two finish, but they have now fallen behind Sheffield United and are now level on points with third-placed Burnley, a team who boast the best goalkeeper in the division in James Trafford. Leeds are wobbling and few would be confident of beating the likes of Sunderland, Coventry, West Brom or Middlesbrough in the play-offs. Not least when there is so little confidence in Meslier and the pressure will be at its most intense. Make a mistake in the semi-finals, or even the final at Wembley, and his already brittle confidence would be shattered – possibly beyond repair, certainly in terms of his career at Leeds United. The calls to drop Meslier have become louder as the season has progressed. The humiliation of watching the ball bounce past him in a 2-2 draw with Sunderland way back in October was a shocking mistake. Sadly, it was not the first or the last. What was once an aberration has become an alarming pattern. "WHAT HAS HE DONE?!" 🤯 A mistake from Meslier GIFTS Sunderland the equaliser! 🎁 — Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) October 4, 2024 Despite playing more matches across Europe than any other goalkeeper in the past five years, Meslier is regressing with both mental and technical flaws exposed. There is, of course, much to be said for sticking with a goalkeeper going through a rough spell. Mistakes happen, and as everyone knows, when you blunder as a goalkeeper it is far more likely to lead to a goal than anywhere else on the pitch. In turn, defenders like to know the traits and habits of the person behind them. Settled defensive units generally perform better than those that are constantly chopping and changing. But the issue for Leeds is that Meslier is not going through a rough spell, he is having a terrible season. For a club chasing promotion, it is a huge concern. Rather than reassure his defenders, Meslier is probably making Leeds more apprehensive because they cannot trust him to make saves or rely on his calm decision making. There have been misgivings around Meslier for a while. The compilation of mistakes made in 2024, which has been widely shared on social media, makes for painful viewing. 2024 calendar year of mistakes Meslier has made. This is a tough watch. So so so many points dropped from such simple mistakes. We can't do this anymore. It's been 2-3 years of these howlers… #LUFC 💛💙😞 — Nick 🇨🇦 (@Nick28T) January 4, 2025 Some of the mistakes, like the goal conceded against Hull, are unforgivable for a supposedly top-level goalkeeper who was being linked with a move to Chelsea when he first arrived in England. It does not matter how many good saves he makes, when you concede so many soft goals, it makes them irrelevant in the eyes of supporters. Farke, though, has been stubborn. The German has refused to listen to the outside noise, even though Meslier looks horrendously low on confidence – a player who no longer trusts himself or his instincts. That is a fatal flaw in a goalkeeper when there is rarely the time to second guess and split-second reactions are integral. Last weekend, in the 2-2 home draw against Swansea, Meslier saved an early penalty – which should have provided a welcome confidence boost – but in the second half dropped a regulation catch from a corner and gifted the visitors a goal. The look of disgust on the faces of his team-mates said it all. Then, in injury time, he was beaten again by a well-struck shot, but the angle should have favoured the goalkeeper and, not for the first time, the ball was close enough to him to save. Illan Meslier went through it all this afternoon as Leeds United conceded late on to draw against Swansea...😬 — Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 29, 2025 Farke is constantly being asked about Meslier's form but has been unmoved. What makes it all the more strange is that he has a good back-up goalkeeper, Karl Darlow, who has played in the Premier League and helped Newcastle win promotion from the Championship, too. Darlow may not have played a high volume of first-team games in recent years, but Leeds surely just need a vaguely safe pair of hands at the moment – and Meslier's look like an accident waiting to happen.
BBC News
01-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Stick or twist? How do Leeds solve Meslier muddle?
The boos rang out around Elland Road at full-time on Saturday as Swansea celebrated their late point at Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier cut a disconsolate figure as he sought to collect his thoughts after another rollercoaster 90 much-criticised Frenchman had saved Josh Tymon's penalty in the first half to preserve Leeds' 1-0 advantage at the break but few in the ground were thinking of that come it was how costly his latest error, dropping a corner under no pressure to allow Harry Darling to make it 1-1, could prove to be for their Premier League promotion hopes and whether the time has come for boss Daniel Farke to make a change in goal for the final seven league is a look at the 25-year-old's season to date, what those close to the team think and who could take his place. One mistake too many? Meslier initially joined Leeds on loan from Lorient in his home country in 2019, aged getting his chance in February the following year he has spent the past five years as their first-choice was a big part of Marcelo Bielsa's side who finished a highly creditable ninth in the Premier League in 2020-21 after making a permanent move to West Yorkshire after helping them to promotion in July Bielsa's successors only Sam Allardyce did not pick him during his brief and unsuccessful spell, as Leeds were relegated back to the game against the Swans marked his 200th league appearance for the despite the penalty save, it proved to be a day to forget rather than celebrate in a season where high-profile mistakes have haunted he inexplicably misread the bounce of the ball to let in a last-minute equaliser at Sunderland in October and then in January he was at fault as Hull City came back from 3-1 down to draw led many fans to suggest it was time for a change but, with the team well-placed, boss Farke stood by his man, saying it would be "crazy" to change his responded to that backing by keeping six successive clean sheets and, although he conceded an unfortunate own goal in the 3-1 win at promotion rivals Sheffield United in February, it looked like his mistakes would just be a footnote to a successful were five points clear at the top at the start of March, and seven ahead of Burnley in Championship side that has been in that position after 34 games has gone on to win automatic one win from five games last month has allowed the Blades to go top and Meslier's latest faux pas has seen what patience remained seemingly run out. 'No credit in the bank' and 'indefensible' The team at BBC Radio Leeds' Leeds United podcast Don't Go To Bed Just Yet were unanimous that it is time for Meslier to come out of the starting Chiefs bassist and Leeds season ticket holder Simon Rix: "It's just disappointing because, on this podcast at least, I think we all kind of want him to do well and backed him even when he's had bad moments and we feel like he's been a decent goalkeeper."You could make a highlights reel that looks amazing from Saturday's game because there's the penalty save and the save just before their first goal is a great save because he's unsighted. "He looked to be having a great game and then the next thing he does is drop it on a Swansea player's foot. It's just bizarre. I can only think it is concentration."I think he's just got no credit in the bank now. He doesn't have the crowd on his side."BBC Radio Leeds' Leeds reporter Adam Pope: "I think it's inexplicable. He was under no pressure. You can't defend it anymore."Maybe Farke sits down with (captain) Ethan Ampadu and asks him if the lads still trust Illan or if they want a change? The way it's going this could ruin Leeds' chances of automatic promotion."Former Leeds player Aidy White on BBC Radio Leeds: "It's one too many now. You can be forgiven for maybe one or two but the amount of games it has happened now… a huge decision has got to be made with seven games left."I think you've got to drop him now. Farke came out and supported him last time but how long can you keep trusting him for?" What do the stats say? Unfortunately for Meslier and his supporters the statistics do not make for brilliant reading in his to Opta, of the 27 goalkeepers to have played at least 10 games in the Championship this season he ranks 19th for goals own goals, he has conceded 24 goals from 23.9 expected goals on comparison, Burnley keeper James Trafford has conceded a measly 11 goals from an expected goals on target of 22.6, while Sheffield United shot-stopper Michael Cooper has allowed 26 goals from also comes out badly in terms of errors leading to Sheffield Wednesday's James Beadle, with four, has more than Meslier and Swansea counterpart Lawrence Vigouroux, who both have Owls dropped Beadle for Saturday's trip to Cardiff City. Farke in an 'impossible position' - Analysis Fan writer Adonis StorrIllan Meslier has flattered to deceive during his time in Yorkshire. But despite threatening a redemption story by keeping out a penalty against Swansea and making a couple of vital saves, he was back to being the pantomime villain by the the Frenchman's undeniable potential is surpassed by his tendency to err. Spilling a simple catch from a corner and failing to save a speculative shot from a narrow angle, the Leeds goalkeeper fluffed his lines again when it mattered is not solely responsible for Leeds' remarkable loss of form. The whole team seems to be lacking energy. But the goalkeeper's performances are affecting his team-mates. None more so than a clearly frustrated Joe October I asked "can Leeds afford to keep waiting for him to improve?" In January I wrote "it feels like it is time to try someone else".Daniel Farke has seven, maybe 10, games left to get Leeds promoted, but Meslier's mistakes have left him in an impossible position. Dial in Darlow? If Leeds are to make a change between the sticks then it is likely to be veteran Karl Darlow who is given the 34-year-old has made just two league appearances since joining from Newcastle in the summer of 2023, once as a sub after Meslier was sent off at Preston on 26 December that year and then in the 1-0 reverse at West Brom three days later when the number one was most number twos, Darlow has seen some action this season as he is first choice for Wales, where he plays alongside club team-mates Rodon, Ampadu and Dan James, so he would not be coming in cold if he were to be given a chance at relegation-threatened Luton on also has experience of winning promotion from this division, having made 34 appearances as the Magpies won the Championship title in refused to blame Meslier for Saturday's result and you feel that whatever decision he makes now, all eyes will be on whoever is between the posts for Leeds at Kenilworth Road this weekend.
BBC News
01-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Tragedy for Leeds, comedy for their rivals
Football returned to Elland Road last Saturday afternoon following the final international break of the season – a historically ominous time for Leeds Leeds fans – burdened by memories of springs past – were warning of the 'Ides of March', even during the Whites' record-breaking February the end of that month, United were five points clear at the top of the Championship table, with third-placed Burnley seven points adrift. One month on and it is Sheffield United who lead the league, with the Clarets and Whites trailing two points Shakespearian March fixtures ended with Swansea at the weekend. It was a game that had all the makings of a tragedy for Leeds fans, a comedy for their Meslier has flattered to deceive during his time in Yorkshire. But despite threatening a redemption story by keeping out a penalty and making a couple of vital saves, he was back to being the pantomime villain by the the Frenchman's undeniable potential is surpassed by his tendency to err. Spilling a simple catch from a corner and failing to save a speculative shot from a narrow angle, the Leeds goalkeeper fluffed his lines again when it mattered is not solely responsible for Leeds' remarkable loss of form. The whole team seems to be lacking energy. But the goalkeeper's performances are affecting his team-mates. None more so than a clearly frustrated Joe October I asked "can Leeds afford to keep waiting for him to improve?" In January I wrote "it feels like it is time to try someone else".Daniel Farke has seven, maybe 10, games left to get Leeds promoted, but Meslier's mistakes have left him in an impossible position. To change goalkeeper, or not to change goalkeeper, that is now the more from Adonis Storr at The Roaring Peacock, external
