Michael Brown offers his thoughts on Leeds United’s goalkeeping situation

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Former Leeds United midfielder Michael Brown has given his thoughts on the goalkeeping situation at Elland Road.

Speaking as a pundit on Quest, Brown hinted it might be up to teenage goalkeeper Illan Meslier to knock on Marcelo Bielsa’s door to ask to come into the side in place of Kiko Casilla, after yet another mistake in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at Brentford.

He said: “Marcelo Bielsa said he backs the goalkeeper. He’ll be very disappointed because Leeds were in control of the game, looking comfortable. It’s a huge mistake.

“(Meslier)’ll be pushing, he’ll have had the taste for it, wanting to get involved and seeing mistakes, if he brave enough to go and knock on Marcelo Bielsa’s door?”

TBR’s View – No point in having a backup goalkeeper if he doesn’t play now

If Bielsa doesn’t put his backup goalkeeper Meslier into the team now, he never will. Bielsa’s got a reputation for stubbornness but Casilla is spreading nerves around the team and the fans.

Throwing a 19-year-old into the heat of a promotion race represents a risk but the experience of Casilla isn’t getting Leeds anywhere at the minute.

Making the change should take the heat off the Spaniard for the time being, as well as giving him a clear indication that he has to fight for his place and Bielsa’s faith has some limits.

Meslier shouldn’t have to go knocking on his manager’s door to ask for a game on the back of Casilla’s recent form.