Leeds United employee shares emphatic Illan Meslier claim as ‘outstanding’ details emerge
Noel Whelan has claimed Leeds United shot-stopper Illan Meslier is one of the “best up-and-coming goalkeepers” in the Premier League.
The former Whites striker and club ambassador, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, hailed the 22-year-old’s “outstanding performance” as his old side beat Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield on Saturday (29 October).
As per LUFCDATA on Twitter (30 October), Meslier recorded nine saves during the victory – his personal record-high during his two-year spell at Leeds United.
The France Under-21 international has kept two clean sheets this term – conceding 19 goals in 12 Premier League appearances.
As per FBRef, Meslier recorded the most saves in the top flight during the 2021-22 season (142) – 14 more than nearest rival Kasper Schmeichel.
Speaking post-match and quoted by Leeds Live, Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch revealed he had urged the youngster to be a “bigger presence, to be savvier, and understand how to handle big moments” in the past months.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “This is the advantage of having a top-class goalkeeper in between the sticks.
“When you go to places like Anfield – you know you’ll be under pressure, you know you don’t have the same quality, and you know Liverpool will create chances.
“What an outstanding performance. He is one of the up-and-coming best goalkeepers in the Premier League.”
Leeds United moved into 15th in the Premier League with the win.
Marsch’s side face league games against Bournemouth (5 November) and Tottenham (12 November) before the World Cup break.
In other news, Football Insider updates with Leeds United set to listen to offers for midfield ace.