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News
Paul Robinson raves about Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier
Paul Robinson has given a glowing verdict of Leeds United youngster Illan Meslier and has explained that he appears to be growing in confidence.
The 20-year-old goalkeeper is still a fairly inexperienced player at senior level, but he’s managed to become the number one at Elland Road and he delivered a man of the match performance at the weekend in the Premier League.
His heroics, which included two memorable first-half saves, helped the Whites win 1-0 away at Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side have now picked up six points from their opening three league games following their return to the top-flight and are preparing to host Manchester City this Saturday evening.
Meslier made 11 appearances during a loan spell with Leeds last season, but has now fully forced his way into the starting league team and is looking to establish himself as a consistent Premier League goalkeeper.
The French youngster turned his loan move into a permanent one and is a commanding shot-stopper with great reflexes.
Robinson has called him “outstanding” after his latest display and is confident he will keep improving.
“I think it’s probably the best game that he’s played [against Sheffield United]. You can see a young man that is growing in confidence, you can see him getting better game by game,”
“He’s been given the gloves, given the number one jersey and I think that was a huge vote of confidence for him. I think since that point on he’s got better and he will continue to get better.
“His first-half display at Bramall Lane at the weekend was nothing short of outstanding the two saves.”
TBR’s View:
Meslier is certainly not a player that would’ve been known to Premier League audiences until very recently, but there were signs last season of his talent in the games he played and it looks like he could be an ever-present for years to come at Leeds.
Aged 20, he’s got his whole career ahead of him and looks extremely mature already for such a young goalkeeper.
He’s a physical presence that commands his box with his large frame and takes pressure off his defenders from set-pieces, plus he showed against Sheffield United he can pull off top-class saves.