This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
When Bailey Peacock-Farrell walked out of Elland Road in the summer a new goalkeeper was presumably at the height of Leeds’ agenda.
After all, Kiko Casilla had been mooted with a potential switch away from west Yorkshire too.
He was the one to stay as Lorient teenager Illan Meslier arrived through the front door at Thorp Arch on loan with an option to buy.
A colossal figure, standing at 6 foot 6, he has already left Leeds fans in awe following his performances for the U23s but he’s yet to be given a first-team opportunity.
Given the fact he’s saved two penalties and even earned praise from opposition coaches, it’s puzzling he’s only been on the periphery.
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When the Frenchman does get time in the first-team remains to be seen but Marcelo Bielsa is caught up in an incredibly awkward predicament with the goalkeeper.
Leeds signed six players on loan in the summer but only five of them can actually feature in a single matchday squad.
It’s a rule that’s seen Jack Clarke left out of the squad for the vast majority of the season, yet last weekend he was brought back into the 18.
At his expense, Meslier dropped out having not done anything wrong as Kamil Miazek replaced him as the substitute ‘keeper.
Last month, the 19-year-old told Ouest-France, via Get Football News France: “If I play in the Championship, and the club activates the option to buy, I would stay without a problem. If I play less, we will think about it. But the best thing would be to continue at Leeds.”
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The tall stopper recognises that perhaps his career would be best suited with the Whites but he does also hint there is the possibility of returning to Lorient – particularly if he doesn’t play in the Championship.
FFC have detailed how he can be the long-term successor to Casilla so Bielsa must find a way to give him minutes. After all, this is a player with enormous potential – someone that’s been linked with Chelsea and Monaco in the past
Meslier has already proven he’s up to the task of senior football having played 28 times in Ligue 2 last season, so it’s not as though he’s a completely unknown quantity.
Bielsa would be wise to bear in mind what the Frenchman has said when trying to manoeuvre Leeds’ loan problem. If not, they could end up losing him next season rather than acquiring him permanently, something that would set them back in their pursuit of eventually replacing Casilla.
Considering the teenager is already ingrained at the club and is now used to Bielsa’s methods, he’s a ready-made successor. Losing him and bringing someone else in would only put them back at square one.
It’s only early in the season but Meslier has provided quite the predicament for the Argentine head coach. Does he stick or twist? Does he look to keep Meslier happy enough to sign him permanently, or risk upsetting him with more matchday exclusions?
Only time will tell, although an investigation into an issue of discrimination against Casilla might just give his competition some minutes.
