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News
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink comments on Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has defended Illan Meslier following his tough time at the Emirates on Sunday, labelling the Leeds United goalkeeper absolutely magnificent this season – .
The Frenchman had to pick the ball out of his net three times during the first-half against Arsenal. He also gave away a penalty after Bukayo Saka pounced on his poor touch.
Unfortunately for Leeds, Meslier’s distribution was uncharacteristically poor. Arsenal closed off a number of his potential out-balls. And there were a couple of occasions when he could only put his pass out of play.
Giving away the penalty perhaps best summed up Meslier’s half. And while Hasselbaink admitted after the 4-2 defeat that he did not have the best day, he did highlight the form that he has shown over the course of the campaign.
“He makes a big mistake, Meslier,” . “He’s been absolutely magnificent until now. He had a difficult day because Arsenal put him under pressure. This is a penalty, 100% penalty.”
Bielsa would have surely expected Meslier – who earns £16,500-a-week, – to go through trickier spells at some stage. The goalkeeper only turns 21 next month. And he is obviously enjoying his first season in the Premier League.
As Hasselbaink notes however, Meslier has been outstanding at times this season. There have been some amazing saves. And generally, his distribution has been hugely influential.
It was certainly a bad day at the office for the starlet. But he surely has more than enough credit in the bank to ensure that he keeps his place for the foreseeable future.