Journalist Beren Cross has claimed that Illan Meslier was ‘ignoring’ Stuart Dallas by not passing him the ball during Leeds United’s most recent game.
In the latest round of Premier League fixtures, the Whites had to settle for a point at Elland Road as they drew 1-1 with Southampton. Jack Harrison had given the home team a first-half lead but a trademark free-kick from James Ward-Prowse was enough to ultimately see the game end all square.
The point edges Leeds further from the relegation zone – they now sit eight points from Watford in 18th – but it seems as though the performance left something to be desired.
Indeed, in an article for LeedsLive, Cross wrote the subtitle ‘Meslier ignoring Dallas’ before explaining why he had found a major fault in the goalkeeper’s distribution.
Is Illan Meslier good enough with his distribution?
Yes
No
He said: “During what was a very difficult opening to the second half for Illan Meslier, he showed the worst kind of tunnel vision with his distribution. Every time he put the ball back into play it would flow back towards his goal.
“The French stopper was doing little to relieve the pressure his team was under. Stuart Dallas was repeatedly free with an acreage around him down the left channel. His arms were aloft, there was no good reason not to pass to him and everyone but Meslier could see the pass was on.”
TIF Thoughts on Illan Meslier and Leeds…
As we are still in the early days of Jesse Marsch’s tenure, it remains unclear as to whether or not Meslier is acting under the instruction of his new manager, or this is an issue in the goalkeeper’s game.
In the past, though, the 22-year-old has come under some criticism for his distribution skills. With that in mind, it may be something to address on the training ground – especially as in this game, it sounds like Dallas was an outlet he failed to spot on a number of occasions.
Fortunately, with Leeds picking up a draw, this issue didn’t seem too costly on the day, but it will be interesting to see if it becomes a habit under Marsch or not.
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