Leeds talent-spotters deserve ‘huge credit’ after what I ‘ve seen from Meslier – Whelan
Noel Whelan has heaped praise on Leeds United’s scouts for unearthing Illan Meslier two years ago.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Whites striker claimed the 21-year-old “has gone up another level” this season after his “amazing” performance against Everton.
Meslier pulled off a number of top saves on Saturday as Marcelo Bielsa’s side drew 2-2 with the Toffees at Elland Road.
The goalkeeper, who joined the Yorkshire club permanently in July 2020, put pen to paper on a new five-year contract earlier this month.
Whelan is surprised that a full house at Elland Road did not phase the France Under-21 international.
“When you look at young players like Meslier you are hoping to see progression from one season to the next,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“I was curious to see how he would adapt to having a noisy crowd behind him and in key situations, he never bottled it.
“He was amazing. When he had to he came out and he made two cracking saves which kept us in the game in truth. It could have been game over was it not for him.
“You can see the maturity in him every time he plays now. Last season has clearly given him more confidence.
“He has proven to be a really important player for Leeds United. He has gone up another level from last season.
“The scouts deserve huge credit because they have done excellently well to find him.”
In other news, Whelan delivers bold 2021 signing prediction after ‘fabulous’ Leeds footage emerges.