Jermaine Beckford says if it wasn’t for Illan Meslier then Leeds United would be ‘bottom of the Premier League table’.
The former Leeds striker says Meslier is always producing those big moments for his team and proving to be vital to his team’s cause, as he told Premier League Productions (08/02/23 at 10:25 pm).
On Wednesday night, without a manager in the dugout following the sacking of Jesse Marsch, the Whites recorded a 2-2 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
On one hand, Meslier will be pleased with his night’s work because he did prevent the tide of the game from changing, including the £30k-a-week star’s (Spotrac) point-blank save of Raphael Varane’s header.
But, on the other, he will feel he could have done a lot better for Jadon Sancho’s equaliser.
Whilst Leeds’ forward line lacks that bite and killer finish, Beckford is liking the consistency levels from the man in between the sticks.
“They absolutely were (important saves at crucial stages by Meslier),” said Beckford. “His stature, his size, his ability and agility are things that have kept him in the game. Kept Leeds United in the game, many, many times.
“Without him being in the goal. We are talking about Leeds being bottom of the league. There have been multiple moments where Leeds United should be behind.
“But he just gets a little fingertip around the corner or his mere presence.”
TOUGHER TEST AT ELLAND ROAD
Manchester United, after their comeback of two goals, will have their tails up at Elland Road on Sunday.
The issue Leeds have is that they keep conceding chances and goals to his Manchester United side.
Whether it’s Marcelo Bielsa, Jesse Marsch or no man in the dugout. They can’t stop shipping those efforts and it probably won’t be a surprise if it’s another free-scoring game on Sunday.
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