Speaking on his Podcast, Leeds United journalist Phil Hay has been discussing Illan Meslier and his international future.
Meslier may well be one of the best uncapped goalkeepers on the planet. He regularly stars for Leeds United in the Premier League, and he’s more than worthy of playing international football.
Unfortunately for the youngster, France’s goalkeeper is also their captain, Hugo Lloris, and it will take a lot for any goalie to get in ahead of him at the moment.
According to Hay though, France do have a plan for Meslier in the future, but at the moment, they want him to focus on playing for the U21s at next summer’s Euros.
France’s Meslier plans
Hay shared what he knows about Leeds’ goalkeeper.
“Meslier’s one on ones were there again at Anfield. I wrote about Meslier and the France squad and talking to people in France and to people who know Meslier the impression is that the ideal scenario for France is for him to stick with the U21s and play the U21 Euros next summer before graduating. Hugo Lloris is the first choice from Spurs, but he can’t go on forever,” Hay said.
Matter of time
It’s surely just a matter of time before Meslier gets his first international cap.
Hugo Lloris’ time between the sticks will probably be over after the World Cup, and Meslier is waiting in line to be his replacement.
The likes of Mike Maignan and Alphonse Areola will be stern competition, but given his age and potential, it’s hard to back against Meslier eventually becoming France’s first choice.
This is a potentially world-class goalkeeper, and the fact that he’s still eligible for the U21s is, quite frankly, frightening.
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