Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch has reiterated his perception that Whites stopper Illan Meslier is the very best younger goalkeeper he has labored with.
The Frenchman moved to Elland Highway in the summertime of 2019 on an preliminary mortgage deal from Lorient. He needed to battle with Kiko Casilla for sport time at first however quickly received into the workforce.
And he impressed on the finish of the 2019/20 season, serving to Leeds with their remaining push to promotion.
Meslier subsequently earned a long-term contract and has missed solely three Premier League matches for the reason that begin of final season. What’s extra, all of these got here final time period, with the 22-year-old an ever-present this marketing campaign.
Leeds have struggled with accidents this season to huge gamers corresponding to Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford. That has affected their kind, the aspect slipping from a ninth-placed end to a relegation battle.
However, Marsch has no points with Meslier, who he has lauded as one of the promising Premier League abilities.
“I stated this weeks in the past, for me he’s the very best younger goalkeeper that I’ve labored with,” the supervisor instructed a press convention.
“It’s at all times onerous to make huge statements like that, however you understand while you take a look at the actual fact he performs for France Underneath-21’s and he’s within the combine for the nationwide workforce transferring ahead, how good France is on the worldwide stage, you may say that his expertise is huge.
“I’m simply attempting to encourage him to be sturdy, assured and an excellent resolution maker.”
Marsch has had a stable affect since his arrival at Leeds. And whereas he’s not a goalkeeping coach, he is aware of an excellent goalkeeper when he sees one.
“I’ve stated earlier than I do know issues about goalkeepers, the approach and tactical place for each second isn’t my power,” Marsch stated.
“However I do know when a keeper has a presence within the sport and makes the correct of choices, dictates the way in which the sport is performed and for essentially the most half I believe he did that tonight. He’s finished effectively.”
Meslier stands out at Leeds
Marsch was talking after Leeds drew 0-0 away at Crystal Palace to earn one other level of their quest for survival.
Meslier saved his fifth clear sheet of the marketing campaign. That’s albeit the joint-Sixteenth finest document within the Premier League this season.
Nevertheless, the Frenchman tops the rankings on the subject of saves made.
Meslier has saved 125 efforts on the Leeds aim, 9 greater than Manchester United’s David de Gea in second.
Whereas it isn’t a statistic that notably reveals the solidity of Leeds’ defence, Meslier should however take credit score for his performances.
