How Illan Meslier is putting Leeds' Premier League push at risk - and why Daniel Farke sticks with him despite the alarming statistics that tell a painful story
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It might seem a lifetime away, but Illan Meslier was once one of the untouchable pieces of Leeds United's future. In February 2020, a 19-year-old Meslier made his league debut away to Hull City. Marcelo Bielsa’s side won 4-0 that afternoon, with this beanpole 6ft 6in Frenchman, on loan from Lorient and only in the side due to an eight-game ban for No 1 Kiko Casilla, going on to keep seven clean sheets in 10 games. It was the backbone of the title charge as Leeds ended 16 years of hurt outside the Premier League.
![[But as the club attempts to catapult itself back into the top flight in 2025, the shot-stopper is looking like a notable weak link]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/18/11/94238289-14296141-image-a-2_1737199427517.jpg)
That summer, Leeds signed him permanently and by the end of his first season in the top flight, the hype around Meslier saw him linked to clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham. But Leeds pushed hard and he ended up signing a five-year deal, keeping him at Elland Road until 2026.
![[Mistakes made during Leeds' start-of-the-year tie with Hull were the latest in a long line of slip-ups]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/18/11/94238303-14296141-image-a-3_1737199438978.jpg)
Five years on since that promising bow, the 24-year-old’s form is now Leeds' biggest threat to their immediate future - and in particular to not getting promoted this season. Meslier’s mistakes at Hull on January 4 - when Leeds drew 3-3 after they were 3-1 up in the 81st minute - were the final straw for many, in a long line of costly errors. At Sunderland in October, his unfortunate howler in the 97th minute when the ball span wickedly past him, snatched away victory and left him in tears.
![[Manager Daniel Farke has consistently backed his player against the backdrop of poor form]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/18/11/94238311-14296141-image-a-4_1737199483478.jpg)
While his team-mates supported him then, and manager Daniel Farke made a point of cajoling Meslier at full time, it lasted only so long. A reverse angle of Hull's second goal earlier this month shows Joe Rodon, Joe Rothwell and Joel Piroe losing patience. Yet again, Leeds dropped crucial points because of their keeper.
![[But only Luton's Thomas Kaminski has conceded more league goals over the past five seasons]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/18/11/94238319-14296141-image-a-5_1737199485878.jpg)
