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BBC pundit thinks Leeds star has the makings of a ‘really good’ player, but ‘isn’t one’ right now
Leeds United ace Illan Meslier has “the makings” of a really good goalkeeper but is far from the finished product, according to BBC Sport pundit Mark Lawrenson.
The 20-year-old has made a name for himself since joining Leeds initially on loan before being signed permanently last summer, becoming the Premier League’s youngest first-choice stopper.
Meslier, who reportedly cost the Whites £5million, has been entrusted with the first-team gloves at Elland Road and has played every minute of his side’s league campaign so far.
While Leeds are superb in attack, they’ve struggled at the back, particularly from set pieces, and Lawrenson feels that, while Meslier makes some great saves, he doesn’t command the area.
That said, the former Liverpool man is aware that playing in front of a “porous” back four won’t help, and nonetheless, he feels Marcelo Bielsa’s side will beat Burnley on Sunday.
“Burnley are on a good run, with two draws and two wins in their past four games, and this should be a good game,” Lawrenson wrote on .
“Leeds are not great defensively in open play or at set-pieces, and their goalkeeper Illan Meslier makes some good saves but doesn’t command the area.
“Meslier is just a kid at 20. He looks like he has the makings of a really good keeper, but he isn’t one at the moment. He is still learning, and he is playing behind a porous back four.
“Leeds know their strength is going forward, though, and they are not going to change. I think they will win, but there is no way they are getting a clean sheet.”
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Bielsa has made it clear that he’s not changing his philosophy or tactics simply because some sections of the media are questioning his current approach – presumably that goes for team selection as well.
Considering Meslier is just 20, he has done really well so far this season, showing he’s more than capable of playing in the Premier League.
He should perhaps be judged at the end of a full first season in the top flight, but the signs so far are very promising and he’s already performing like an established goalkeeper.