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Journalist shares what he’s been told about Casilla by ‘a lot of people at Leeds’ after his exit

John Verrall

Fri 16 July 2021 13:15, UK

Phil Hay that Kiko Casilla was always very supportive of Illan Meslier during his time at the club.

A supporting influence

Casilla’s departure from Leeds was announced earlier this week, after a three year stay at the club.

Casilla joined Leeds and was expected to be their first choice, with Meslier playing a supporting role.

However, the French stopper ultimately displaced Casilla in the team.

That could have been very disheartening for many goalkeepers with Casilla’s experience.

Meslier was just a teenager when he broke into Leeds starting line-up and is still only 20 now.

But Casilla didn’t seem too perturbed at losing his spot and is said to have tried to help Meslier perform to his best.

“He’s been very supportive of Meslier. He’s helped Meslier a lot, which I something that a lot of people at Leeds say,” Hay said.

‘You’d have seen that tweet from Radrizzani, again very complimentary and very cordial.

‘It does feel as if, within the club, it does feel that Casilla has been hard done to, or unfairly treated.”

Meslier’s breakthrough

Meslier has never really looked back since breaking into Leeds’ team.

The young French stopper is now regarded as one of the best, young prospects in his position.

Meslier thrived after Leeds promotion to the Premier League, with his performances proving that he was more than capable of playing regularly at the top level.

Leeds are now thought to be on the look out for a replacement for Casilla as number two, with Kristoffer Klaesson their first choice.