Micah Richards has claimed Illan Meslier is 'not protected' enough by his Leeds United teammates amid Chris Sutton's suggestion to take him out of the 'firing line'.
Meslier is in arguably his worst ever run of form since moving to Elland Road and was at fault for another two goals in the 4-1 defeat at Bournemouth on Sunday. The young Frenchman also had a difficult afternoon at Fulham earlier this month after shipping 11 goals in consecutive home games against Crystal Palace and Liverpool.
With Meslier still only 23, there have been calls to bring more experienced shotstopper Joel Robles into the fold for the final four matches as Leeds fight for Premier League survival. Speaking on the Football Daily Podcast, Richards and Sutton shared contrasting views on whether that would be the right decision.
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Richards said: "He's going through a tough time, I was listening to Kasper Schmeichel earlier on today, he was doing some punditry and he was just saying he was shot for confidence. When we analyse players, and we can say whether they're playing good or bad, but it's really interesting to hear a goalkeeper talk about a goalkeeper and the decisions that they're making.
"It's a little bit more technical and tactical in why they're making them decisions and I think it is just confidence but Meslier is a top young goalkeeper. It doesn't help in the way that Leeds play, when you've got a manager like Bielsa, who's loved within the city for his style of play.
"Gracia has come in, I watched them away at Fulham and they looked a little bit more organised and they were choosing their times when to press and when to drop off, but in actual fact he's not been protected by his defence. Midfield in terms of energy, it doesn't look like it's the same and he's not been protected. Yes, he could've done a bit better, of course he could."
Sutton then asked: "Is there an argument to take him out of the team, though? Give him a break because at this moment in time, and he's not the only one you are quite right, he does look a bit frazzled. He's not making the right decisions.
"Do you not understand that argument? Some Leeds fans are saying let's put Robles in and take him out of the firing line for a bit."
Richards responded: "Yeah but Leeds have got Man City next so if they take him out of the firing line and the other 'keeper concedes say six goals, you could have two 'keepers with shot confidence. I just think it's the way Leeds play, they are set up to concede goals all around the pitch and they've not adapted to what the new manager wants."
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