Leeds United will be looking to get back to winning ways when the Whites play host to Stoke City on Tuesday, and boss Steven Schumacher has praised some Elland Road stars including Illan Meslier.
A 1-1 draw with Huddersfield Town on Saturday saw a winning run of nine games come to an end, even though Jonathan Hogg was sent off in the first half. Patrick Bamford got his seventh goal of the season.
Leeds have already taken on Schumacher at Elland Road this season, with the gaffer in charge when we beat Plymouth 2-1 back in November. He then joined Stoke in December, and has won four of 14 games.
Both sides have something to play for, but at different ends of the table. Stoke sit in a woeful 22nd place – sitting bottom of seven clubs that are split by just two points. They are one of four sides on 38 points.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of Tuesday’s clash as per the Stoke Sentinel, the Stoke gaffer spoke highly of the talent in the Leeds side and reserved special praise for £5m goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
“So many strengths. Players with speed, with Premier League experience, with quality who can handle the ball in all areas of the pitch. The goalkeeper’s excellent. There aren’t many weaknesses in the team.”
Stoke City boss praises Leeds United players and Illan Meslier
Described by Daniel Farke as “outstanding” this season, Meslier is certainly enjoying one of his best campaigns since joining Leeds in the summer of 2019 – initially, on loan from French side Lorient.
Indeed, Meslier has proven to be a key player in the push for an instant return to the Premier League – clocking up a huge 15 clean sheets in 36 games and conceding only 30 times. He has been sensational.
If Leeds are to get back to winning ways then keeping a clean sheet on Tuesday night, his 16th of the campaign, will go a long way to securing that. Every game now, is almost must win for Leeds and Farke.