As a fan of Leeds United, I’ve seen a lot over the years, but there’s something particularly frustrating about watching Illan Meslier’s progress, or lack thereof, this season. The young French goalkeeper has shown glimpses of promise since his arrival at Elland Road, but in the 2024/25 season, I find myself questioning whether he’s the long-term answer between the sticks for Leeds.
Meslier’s first few seasons at Leeds were full of potential. His reflexes, shot-stopping ability, and composure with the ball at his feet made him an exciting prospect. But the 2024/25 campaign has brought a new level of scrutiny. It’s hard to ignore the sense that something isn’t clicking for him right now. The confidence and presence he once exhibited seem to have diminished at times, and his recent performances have led many of us, myself included, to wonder if his development has plateaued.
Inconsistent Form
The most glaring issue with Meslier this season has been his inconsistency. There have been moments of brilliance, undoubtedly. His incredible save against a Premier League powerhouse earlier in the season had me on my feet, shouting in admiration. But those moments have been too few and far between. What’s concerning is the number of times he’s made errors that have led to goals, particularly in crucial matches.
There have been several soft goals conceded that were so avoidable; that have cost Leeds more points than actually saved them with the Sunderland game being a defiant one to say the least. Then there was the lack of command in the box during set pieces, something that has been a recurring issue for a while now. It’s frustrating because as a goalkeeper, confidence is key. Meslier’s inability to assert himself in moments like these only highlights his current lack of belief in his own ability, and it’s beginning to affect the defence as a whole.
Communication Breakdown
One of the key aspects of a goalkeeper’s role is communication, and this is where Meslier has seemed to struggle the most in the 2024/25 season. Leeds’ defence has been shaky at best, but Meslier’s failure to take control in high-pressure situations has made matters worse. It feels like he’s not talking to his defenders enough, and this lack of coordination has led to confusion at the back on more than one occasion.
There’s a noticeable lack of leadership from him—something you’d expect from a goalkeeper who’s been with the team for a few years now. Sure, he’s still young, but as one of the senior players in the squad, Meslier should be more vocal. The absence of that authority has, at times, left Leeds vulnerable to the opposition’s attacks.
His Passing and Distribution
Meslier has always been decent with the ball at his feet, but this season, his distribution has been noticeably more erratic. He’s often hesitant in choosing when to play out from the back, and too many of his passes have either been underhit or misplaced, putting unnecessary pressure on the defense. As Leeds continue to evolve under their manager, possession-based football is clearly a priority.
For that to work, Meslier needs to be more reliable in his passing game. Right now, I can’t help but feel like every goal kick or short pass to the defenders is a gamble—one that Leeds can’t afford to take.
The Mentality and the Long-Term Future
Watching Meslier this season, I can’t help but think that his mental resilience is being tested. For a goalkeeper, particularly one as young as him, it’s not easy to bounce back from mistakes in a high-profile league like the Premier League. However, that’s exactly what Meslier needs to do—learn from his errors, maintain his focus, and most importantly, stay mentally strong. I’ve seen players in the past overcome rough patches, and I genuinely hope Meslier can do the same.
But if I’m honest, I’m not sure he’s showing the kind of mental fortitude that’s required to be a top-tier goalkeeper. At times, he seems to wilt under pressure, and the mistakes seem to stack up. If this trend continues, Leeds might need to reassess his place in the team.
Conclusion: A Time for Reflection
The 2024/25 season is a pivotal one for Illan Meslier. The talent is undeniably there, but at the moment, he’s not living up to the standard we’ve come to expect. As a fan, it’s frustrating to see a player with so much promise struggle to find his best form. However, I also recognize that he’s still young, and there’s plenty of time for him to improve.
If Meslier can work on his consistency, become a more commanding figure at the back, and fix his distribution issues, I believe he could still have a long and successful future at Leeds United. But if the mistakes keep piling up, the club may need to make some difficult decisions. For now, though, we’ll have to watch closely and hope that the 24-year-old can rediscover the form that once made him one of the most promising goalkeepers in Europe.
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