Robert Green told the Football Show on Sky Sports (08/12/20 at 11:40 am) that it’s ‘to be expected’ that Illan Meslier’s form will dip this season and he will need to be dropped.
The former England shot-stopper believes that Leeds’ man between the sticks is playing with ‘flying colours’ and is looking ‘so cool’ and ‘calm’.
The 20-year-old is currently playing ahead of the experienced Kiko Casilla and has pulled off some outstanding saves this season, including one standout close-range save away at Sheffield United.
Green knows what it’s like to stand in the pressure cooker at Elland Road, as he shared his thoughts on Meslier.
“You look at it and you look at the way he plays,” said Green. “He’s so cool and so calm. But he looks so young as well. Facially, it’s incredible. You are stood there looking at this young man in goal. Thinking ‘wow’. Having been there myself.
“It’s interesting to see when the crowds come back It’s only three games that he has played in front of a crowd. That’s how little it has happened.
“But on the flip side, you are looking at it, he started in goal at Lorient when he was eight. He has been educated in this way. Playing this way for 12 years. So, actually, he has spent more than half of his life in goal and being educated on how to play in goal. The passes that are needed.
“There will be some stage when the form dips and he may need to be pulled out. That’s the occasion. That’s down to the manager to do that. That’s to be expected. But, at the moment, he dealt with Leeds being promoted. That’s huge. He’s dealing with playing in the Premier League and he’s doing it with flying colours.”
For such a young keeper, Meslier is looking like the real deal and he is an underappreciated player, at this moment in time.
Leeds are known for their gung-ho style, so their attackers and the manner in which they play is talked about more than a Meslier.
The young Frenchman has a bit of Thibaut Courtois to his game, where he uses his height very well and he’s commanding when collecting the ball.
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