Illan Meslier has named Manchester United legend Edwin van der Sar as his Premier League goalkeeping hero when he was growing up, while speaking on the club’s official Twitter account.
Leeds fans may not be happy to hear the Frenchman talking so highly of a Manchester United hero, but Meslier was quick to acknowledge that he doesn’t have much time for the Whites’ fierce rivals.
The 20-year-old gave this answer when he was asked if he had a Premier League goalkeeping hero.
“Yeah, I remember van der Sar from Manchester United,” he said.
“I think this, it’s not a good team, but it’s van der Sar
“We have the same profile, we are tall, him too, but yes, he has good reflexes and he takes up too much space in the goal.”
Meslier certainly saved himself a lot of grief by saying Manhchester United are not a good team.
Even though the Frenchman doesn’t have much love for the Red Devils these days, it’s impossible to deny that van der Sar isn’t a true legend of the game.
The Whites’ number one claimed that the pair have similarities in terms of their frame and their style, and that certainly bodes well for Leeds.
Van der Sar is arguably one of the best goalkeepers the league has ever seen.
The Dutchman holds the record for most consecutive minutes without conceding a goal.
If Meslier turns out to be even half as good as he was, Leeds will have a top talent on their hands.
The youngster has certainly impressed already this term, playing every single minute in United’s Premier League campaign so far.
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