Leeds’ leaky defence has been a worry for them throughout the current Premier League campaign having conceded 68 goals, but shot-stopper Meslier has still managed five clean sheets.
Although the 22-year-old has held his own in a tough season for Leeds, some sections of the Whites faithful feel that he is still not getting the recognition he deserves.
Former Leeds hitman Beckford is of the view that without Meslier guarding their net, Leeds would have been bottom of the league, but insists it is good that he has fallen a bit under the radar.
Asked whether he thinks Meslier falls under the radar and is not getting the recognition he deserves, Beckford told the Official Leeds United Podcast: “Good, I do not want that to be the case.
“Listen he has made the second most saves in the Premier League and that in itself, granted we have conceded a lot of goals, but without him being in goal, we would have been bottom of the league through the chances that we give away.”
Beckford explained that he does not want Meslier to attract too much attention from elsewhere, as it could result in another team coming in and snaring him away from Elland Road.
“Yes, [he deserves credit] and he is getting it from us, so that is all that matters.
“We are the only ones that count are we not?
“Because, we do not want too many people paying too much attention to him and then try to distract him away from what we have got going on here.
“It is a “Catch 22”, is it not?
“We always want the best for our players, but we also do not want them to get the recognition from it because we do not want them to leave.”
Leeds registered back-to-back clean sheets in their last two top flight outings and will hope for three on the trot at the weekend when they host league leaders Manchester City.
