Whelan issues new Illan Meslier claim after Leeds behind-the-scenes reveal
Noel Whelan has claimed Joel Robles can make himself the first-choice goalkeeper at Leeds United by impressing while Illan Meslier is sidelined.
The former Whites striker and club ambassador, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 32-year-old’s big game and Premier League experience makes him a better option than youngster Kristoffer Klaesson.
Meslier has missed training after he was struck down with glandular fever and has sat out of mid-season friendly games against Elche and Real Sociedad.
According to The Athletic’s Phil Hay (17 December), the shot-stopper will return at “some point in the Christmas schedule” but could miss out when Leeds United return to Premier League action against Man City on 28 December.
Back-up options Robles and Klaesson are waiting in the wings and have been fighting to catch the eye of Jesse Marsch in recent friendlies.
Robles, formerly of Everton, played 90 minutes last month (9 November) as the Whites were knocked out of the League Cup by Wolves.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think the experience of playing in the big games means it has to be Robles to come in.
“He’s shown he can handle the pressure of the Premier League, as well.
“He had a good game against Real Sociedad as well – he was accomplished and good with the ball at his feet.
“It’s his position to keep now. No matter how good Meslier has been, it’s up to Robles now to make sure that he doesn’t come back in.
“That’s a healthy dynamic.”
In other news, pundit backs Leeds United to complete Aaron Wan-Bissaka deal in January after update.