Dominic Matteo makes Illan Meslier claim after Leeds loss

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Dominic Matteo has told the Yorkshire Evening Post that he is a huge fan of Illan Meslier, and insisted that the Leeds United goalkeeper has a great future ahead despite his tough time in the Whites’ latest game.

Meslier endured a torrid afternoon at Arsenal on Sunday. Leeds were 3-0 down at half-time. And questions could perhaps be asked about the Frenchman for each goal.

He was beaten at his near post on two occasions. And he gave away a penalty after getting caught in possession. The foul also came after he had already given the ball away on a few occasions.

It was a disappointing display from the 20-year-old. But Matteo insisted that it did nothing to change his mind about Meslier being destined for the very top.

“We saw what happened with goalkeeper Illan Meslier at Arsenal and how he gave the penalty away. It was a tough afternoon for him overall but I have to say I am a huge fan,” he told the Yorkshire Evening Post.

Marcelo Bielsa would have surely known that Meslier would have games like Sunday at some stage when he put his faith in him ahead of this season.

Alisson Becker is arguably one for the world’s best between the sticks. And yet, he has made a number of high-profile mistakes in recent times.

If that can happen to Alisson, it becomes inevitable that there are going to be times when a young goalkeeper comes unstuck during his first season at the highest level.

As Matteo notes, Meslier has demonstrated that he has enormous potential. And it would be no surprise if he more than makes up for his recent appearance in the coming weeks.