Our exclusive writer, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, will be sharing his thoughts on the major topics at Leeds United each week, and we couldn’t be happier to have him on board.
Paul Robinson predicts that Karl Darlow will eventually “come in as number one” despite being “disappointed” that Illan Meslier’s unexpected stay at Elland Road will prevent him from becoming Leeds United’s first-choice goalkeeper this season.
The 32-year-old moved from Newcastle United earlier in the summer, and Meslier was rumored to be on the move. Since then, the Englishman has made just two League Cup outings, including their shocking loss to Salford City.
Darlow spent a lot of time in the Championship, therefore Leeds’ choice to recruit him was probably greatly influenced by that.
Robinson asserts that even though Darlow might be frustrated by his limited playing time, he will “bide his time” and most likely gain more playing time under Farke, through the sale of Meslier, or if the Frenchman experiences another slump in form.
Robinson remarked in an exclusive interview with MOT Leeds News that Darlow might be disappointed but that he will wait it out.
“He performed at the highest level and is a very excellent goalie with experience. Darlow has a lot of Championship experience, so playing for a team like Leeds United isn’t necessarily a negative thing.
It’s a large football club, and given Meslier’s potential, whether it’s January or the end of the season, I predict that he will leave and Karl may take over as the starting quarterback.
We saw Meslier have a huge dip in form and confidence towards the end of last season, so if he has three or four games left, it’s not a bad situation for him.
