Leeds United undoubtedly have one of the best squads in the Championship.
Though numerous first team players departed Elland Road in the wake of relegation last summer, Leeds were able to keep a decent number at the club.
The likes of Crysencio Summerville, Willy Gnonto and Georginio Rutter have all enjoyed good seasons having been here last year, while Pascal Struijk, Patrick Bamford and Junior Firpo have contributed at various points too.
With the players at his disposal, it is no surprise Daniel Farke has managed to guide Leeds to the 90 point mark, even if it does not end with a promotion at some point over the next few weeks.
Until last Friday’s 4-0 defeat at Queens Park Rangers, Leeds actually boasted the best defensive record in the division, but one part of that has actually been a big weakness.
Alarming stat which shows Illan Meslier is one of the worst ‘keepers in the Championship
Between the first game of 2024, and win over Millwall just before the international break, Leeds conceded just three goals in 13 matches.
It was a run of form which propelled Leeds into the race for automatic promotion and put Illan Meslier on course to win the division’s golden glove.
Meslier has 18 clean sheets this season, with West Brom’s Alex Palmer the closest to him on 17 ahead of the final day. Alongside Leicester City’s Mads Hermansen, he also averages the least number of goals conceded per game, with 0.9.
However, as per FotMob, there is one alarming statistic of Meslier’s which actually shows he has been one of the worst goalkeepers in the Championship this season.
The £5m man has a goals prevented statistic of minus 3.9, which means that from the quality of shots Leeds have faced on their goal, they should have conceded just over four less than they actually have done.
Only QPR’s Asmir Begovic, Hull Cit’s Ryan Allsop and Southampton’s Gavin Bazunu are ranked lower. The latter’s is actually at an incredible -11.5, which is probably a big reason as to why they fell away in the automatic promotion race.
When that is compared to Leicester’s number one Hermansen, there is a huge difference. Hermansen actually has a goals prevented stat of +7, meaning the Foxes should have conceded significantly more than the 39 they actually have done.
With how close it has been at the top of the division over recent months, it is little details like that which can make all the difference, and it has.
Regardless of the division Leeds end up next season, goalkeeper is an obvious position that needs upgrading.
Rotherham United’s Viktor Johansson has been linked and he would certainly represent an excellent piece of business if he came in.