Illan Meslier could prove Victor Orta’s most inspired signing at Leeds

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After a tough start to life at Leeds United, Victor Orta looks destined to be remembered as one of the pivotal figures in this particular era in the club’s history.

Orta inspired Andrea Radrizzani to appoint Marcelo Bielsa. And he uncovered many of the signings that have helped take Leeds from mid-table in the Championship to English football’s top table.

His track record for signings has been mixed at times. But in more recent years, he has produced a number of masterstrokes in the market.

Raphinha certainly springs to mind as his best deal yet. The 24-year-old has scored six goals and provided five assists since arriving from Rennes in the summer.

And in truth, it is impossible to argue with anyone who insists that the Brazilian has been the best buy the club has made.

But it says a lot about Illan Meslier that there is reason to think that he could challenge Raphinha for that title.

As noted by the Yorkshire Evening Post, Meslier cost just £5 million when he signed permanently following promotion.

The young goalkeeper has since played in all bar one of the Whites’ Premier League games this season.

And while he has come in for criticism at times along the way, there is no question that the 21-year-old looks to have a scary amount of talent.

Meslier already shining in the top flight

Some of the saves he has produced have been world-class. There is arguably little to split the stops he made from John Lundstram at the start of the campaign, and the one against Josh Maja on Friday.

He has become more commanding as the season has gone on. And of course, his distribution has always been a major strength.

It is generally felt that goalkeepers reach their peaks a lot later than outfield players. So with that in mind, there is reason to think that Meslier – who earns £16,500-a-week, according to Spotrac – has quite a significant amount of room for improvement.

That could be a frightening thought given the level he is already at. And when you take into account how much he cost, there is reason to believe that Raphinha may have a rival for Orta’s most remarkable bit of business.