CIES have released some of their yearly rankings for the most valuable players under the age of 23 in football.
The Football Observatory use a scientific methodology in their attempt to give footballers a true value, and in the U23s section, a couple of Leeds players feature.
Perhaps surprisingly, we’re not talking about the likes of Joe Gelhardt, Crysencio Summerville or Lewis Bate.
In fact, the two Leeds players who make the cut are both goalkeepers.
Indeed, Illan Meslier and Kristoffer Klaesson are both considered by CIES to be two of the 10 most valuable U23 goalies on the planet.
Meslier is actually considered the second-most valuable young goalkeeper in the world behind Gianluigi Donarrumma, while Klaesson is joint-seventh on the list alongside Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia.
Meslier certainly deserves this type of recognition, but it is interesting to see Klaesson in here as well.
Perhaps it’s telling of the lack of talented young goalies coming through that Klaesson has made this list. After all, he’s yet to play a senior league game for Leeds.
However, it just goes to show the brilliant business that Victor Orta has done in recent years that Leeds now possess two of the most valuable young goalkeepers on the planet.
The future looks bright between the sticks at Elland Road.
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