Fair play jammy. I spat my morning coffee out reading that last para. Meslier’s been better this year. He has had very little to do and he’s under less pressure but he’s looked more composed. Been signs of late someone’s told him where his near post is. He’s still hit and miss on crosses but a lot of keepers are - I’m fine with him punching if he’s more comfortable with it. HIs distribution has looked better this year generally. Statistically he’s still not great from a shot stopping perspective but I don’t pay too much attention to them unless it’s really obvious. Fans, including me, generally have no idea if a keeper ‘should have’ saved something they let in… unless it’s really obvious. My point here was there were several posters talking about how he kept us in the game etc. I’d have given meslier a decent score for his all round game on Tuesday - but he didn’t make a save I wouldn’t have made. Maybe it’s easier on tv than in the ground to see that the spectacular looking save from baker in the first half was a routine tip over with a camera dive after the save etc Anyway It’s good that everyone in the ground was singing his praises as we’ll need his confidence high for the run in. ALAW.
I agree with you, he is like a vampire when it comes to dealing with crosses, he often punches when it seems an easy one to catch. In one game, can’t remember which one now, there was an audible groan around ER when he chose to punch rather than catch the ball, which would have taken the pressure off, the commentator even mentioned the crowd reaction. He’s a decent keeper who could still develop into a very good one as he reaches his prime but that is definitely an aspect for him to improve on. As for shot stopping, he did have the unfortunate statistic, possibly a record, of 13 consecutive shots on target all of which went in. Also definitely got lucky with the one he ballsed up that you have been discussing.
Meslier’s a very decent keeper. And compared to Coco, the worst Leeds United ‘goalkeeper’ I’ve ever seen, he’s world class.
You're not a part of the school of thought which seems to be if we keep a clean sheet, its down to the defence and they get all the credit whereas if we concede its Mesliers fault and he gets all the blame
Might well be all their levels but no need to worry unless we're promoted. Remember people getting all excited about signing Darlow
Meslier is a confidence player. When things are going well for the team, there is less pressure and he feels more confident. His performances this season reflect that as he has improved from last season. Unfortunately, he seems to melt under pressure cooker situations and makes mistakes and errors of judgement.
The very best in the PL like Edison, Alison & Raya etc also make mistakes and errors of judgement. The key is to minimise them and not to make them often which is what the very best are able to do. Meslier is back on an upward curve and let's at least be grateful for that
What I like about Meslier is the way he's bounced back after 2 season that might have destroyed lesser keepers. Of course he's helped by playing in a dominant team but credit where it's due and he's been one of our most reliable performers this season.
Some truth in that that generally… most keepers mature late. Then you have some who peak early… Hart, Robinson, De Gea. Let’s hope Mes is in the former group. Mes was very young when he broke through… did well to begin with and then had a sticky patch (a pretty lengthy one to be honest). It’s not uncommon for that to happen with players. similar situation with Struijk. As Jammy says, credit due to mes for turning his fortunes around. Let’s hope the confidence continues to rise.
I'm wondering if it's Mes himself that's improved his game, or the fact that he now has a proper goalie coach at the club for the first time. Flippant remark, but I'm actually dead serious about it.
The thing though is the game has moved on so much since Seaman's days, would he be any good. Back in his day a keeper didn't have to be able to pass, just hoof the thing as far as possible. Goal kicks were booted as far upfield as possible. Now it seems to be all about distribution ability and juggle with the ball at your feet on the six yard line giving fans heart attacks
Yes I get that and agree with you, but what about positioning, angles, when to collect, when to punch etc, oh and Meslier distribution has a lot to be desired.
