Dominic Matteo makes Illan Meslier claim after Leeds youngster’s call-up

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Dominic Matteo has told the Yorkshire Evening Post that Illan Meslier could be anything as he lauded the Leeds United goalkeeper following his call-up to France’s under-21 squad.

Meslier continues to receive plaudits after a tough first campaign at the highest level. The 21-year-old has already kept nine clean sheets in the Premier League, with his latest coming in Saturday’s stalemate against Chelsea.

The youngster has been a revelation for much of the season. And following the announcement that he has been included in the French squad for the under-21 European Championships, Matteo suggested that his potential is frightening.

“Illan Meslier is one we’ve got to keep hold of,” he told the Yorkshire Evening Post. “He’s 21 and he could be anything. He’s playing so well, he’s playing above his age.

“This week’s call up to the France Under 21 squad is so well deserved and the way he’s going he could end up in the full squad, which would be magnificent, when you consider the greats they have produced.”

There have been mistakes from Meslier this season. But what is so encouraging is that he appears to have learned every time he has made an error.

Leeds fans would have always expected Meslier’s form to be questioned at times. He only broke into Marcelo Bielsa’s side towards the latter stages of last season.

Like many of his teammates, this is his first season in the top flight. And he is still several years away from what would be considered the peak of his career.

He is not yet the finished article. But as Matteo notes, it is almost scary to think of the career he could have based on the form he is already showing.