Jesse Marsch has told Thursday’s press conference – on the Leeds YouTube channel – that goalkeeper Illan Meslier is one of the best players in his position he has ever worked with. He branded Meslier a “massive talent.”
Meslier, 21, has already clocked up 81 appearances for Leeds and 111 at senior level – an incredible record for a goalkeeper. In that time, he has kept 34 clean sheets and become a double Premier League record-holder.
Indeed, he holds the record of most clean sheets in one Premier League season for a goalkeeper under 21 – clocking up eight last term and beating Joe Hart. He also beat Hart for the most clean sheets under the age of 21.
Speaking about Meslier in his latest press conference ahead of Saturday’s clash against Watford, Marsch was full of praise. He branded Meslier as one of the best goalkeepers he has worked with, if not the best.
“Illan’s talent is massive. He is a young goalkeeper as good as any young goalkeeper I’ve ever seen. That’s really exciting. He has a really good mentality, he is a worker. Marcos has done a good job of being a mentor.”
Marsch on Meslier: Leeds will do well to keep French goalkeeper
Meslier is a modern goalkeeper. He is a ball-playing stopper that is as good as an outfield player with the ball. Twin that with his supreme shot-stopping ability and his age – he is a prized asset at Elland Road.
Bought for just £5million, Leeds have massive resale value on Meslier. But the Whites should not consider any offers for the goalkeeper unless they are at least eight times the fee they paid for him. He has a deal until 2026.
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