Leeds United’s Promotion Hopes Hindered by Illan Meslier’s Inconsistencies, Says EFL Expert
Leeds United’s push for automatic promotion from the Championship has been strong this season, but concerns over goalkeeper Illan Meslier have once again come to the forefront. EFL pundit George Elek has criticized the French shot-stopper, suggesting that Leeds would be ten points clear at the top if they had a more reliable goalkeeper between the posts.
Despite manager Daniel Farke’s continued faith in Meslier, Leeds’ interest in potential replacements—such as Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher—indicates the club is actively planning for a future without him.
Meslier Under Fire for Costly Errors
Throughout the season, Meslier has shown moments of brilliance, but his inconsistencies have led to points being dropped. His mistakes have been highlighted in crucial matches, making some believe that Leeds’ promotion race would be far less stressful with a more composed presence in goal.
Elek, speaking on The Guardian Football Weekly, stressed that the promotion battle has been tighter than it should be largely due to Leeds’ goalkeeping issues.
> “In my mind, the reason why, frankly, this promotion battle is so tight, and it seems quite basic, but a lot of it is to do with the goalkeepers.”
According to Elek, teams like Sheffield United and Burnley have had a distinct advantage in goal with Mike Cooper and James Trafford, respectively. He pointed out that Trafford is already in the England squad and could soon challenge for the national team’s No. 1 spot, despite playing in the Championship.
> “And Cooper is a Premier League ‘keeper in waiting. Whereas Illan Meslier has made a number of high-profile mistakes.”
Elek went as far as to claim that if Leeds had either Cooper or Trafford in goal instead of Meslier, they would be ten points ahead in the table.
> “In my mind, if you put Cooper or Trafford in goal for Leeds over the course of the season, and put Meslier in goal for the other ones, there would be a ten-point gap between them.”
Leeds’ Strengths May Still Carry Them to Promotion
While Meslier’s form has been a major concern, Elek believes Leeds have enough quality in the squad to secure automatic promotion despite their goalkeeper’s shortcomings.
> “It’s easy after a run of four games and one win to look for holes in Leeds. But when you consider their amazing run prior to that, and I think their proficiency from set-pieces is one of their massive strengths really.”
He dismissed any suggestions of a collapse, referencing Leeds’ notorious struggles in the past but affirming that they are well-positioned to finish strong.
> “I’d be really surprised if we see Leeds, Leeds are falling apart again.”
Meslier’s Future at Leeds Looks Uncertain
With just eight games remaining, Farke is unlikely to make a goalkeeping change at this stage. However, the growing lack of trust in Meslier raises serious doubts about his long-term future at the club.
If Leeds achieve promotion, the Premier League’s higher level of competition could further expose Meslier’s flaws, making a new No. 1 a priority signing. While the team’s defensive unit has managed to mitigate some of his mistakes, a better goalkeeper could provide greater stability.
Ultimately, Meslier’s time as Leeds’ first-choice keeper may be running out, and the club’s recruitment plans for the summer transfer window will likely reflect that reality.