These Leeds United fans have been discussing goalkeeping options after Phil Hay’s tweet.
Kiko Casilla has been the main goalkeeper for Leeds this season, with Illan Meslier failing to get a single minute in the Championship. The Spaniard has kept a clean sheet in his last four matches, so the Peacocks fans will be hoping he can avoid any sort of ban.
These fans have been giving their view on the current situation:
A 12th clean sheet for an inspired Kiko Casilla last night and he’s halfway towards equaling the Championship record for a single season.
But if Leeds lose him to a ban who is the French teenager Marcelo Bielsa plans to turn to? And is he up to the job?https://t.co/2oFqKoxuzK
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) December 11, 2019
Nice article Phil, sounds like there’s quiet confidence that Meslier is up to the task. Hard to argue, given his U23s work. The article suggests that he’d cost us £4.5m in a permanent transfer, is that right?
— Marcelo Bielsa Fan Account (@TotalLeedsball) December 11, 2019
No date for the hearing says it all to me. The FA are clutching at straws no evidence. If they had it he would be banned already
— Adam Green (@AdamGreen0823) December 11, 2019
If he appeals any punishment can he still play whilst they review it, just like forestieri did?? Didn’t he get charge back in June 2017 and finally had to serve his 6 game ban in September 2018?
— andrew (@andrew99003736) December 11, 2019
Bielsa always says we have at least 2 players for every position and so far he proved to be right. Players will come In and do a job. So I have every faith in this man or whoever else is coming in if needed.
— peter-maurice (@petermauriceuk) December 11, 2019
He’s making the most out of it, he knows he’s probs Going to be banned. Helping us get that point gap so we can sacrifice a few games if needs
— Leeds Media (@media_leeds) December 11, 2019
It’s a big risk step up to the first team is massive and there will be a few mistakes in the kid risky
— Jay (@jamieparsons76) December 11, 2019
It’s outrageous such a lengthy ban can be decided on the ‘weight of probability’. Can Leeds appeal?
— Neil (@OooahhBerardi) December 11, 2019
Will Illan Meslier be able to cope in the Championship?
Yes
No
Fans will have to trust Marcelo Bielsa’s judgement on Meslier, as the 19-year-old is yet to be tested in the Championship, but this could become an oversite from the Argentine if the French keeper doesn’t deliver. However, fans certainly appear to be confident in the ability of the young shot-stopper.
Can see this happening in January tbh kiko 12 game ban just to derail our season !
— Dave (@daveytom66) December 11, 2019
I think that Illan is up to it. He’s not Kiko, but he is a good keeper
— Lyns (@lyndseytruth) December 11, 2019
What Do We Think?
Casilla is keeping clean sheets for fun right now, so Meslier is going to have to put in some amazing performances if he’s to live up to his Spanish counterpart. Being just 19-years-old means that the Frenchman may be prone to mistakes, but all of this is guesswork considering his lack of involvement due to Bielsa’s team choice at the moment. Only time will tell if these supporters’ confidence in the youngster is correct.