Illan Meslier explains why Leeds is the perfect fit

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Illan Meslier has told Leeds United’s official website that Marcelo Bielsa’s possession-based, high-press style of play is just how he wants to play football – after he made his debut for the Whites against Arsenal on Monday.

Meslier, 19, was handed his first senior outing for Leeds in the FA Cup third-round clash away at The Emirates – as he remains on a season-long loan from French side FC Lorient. Meslier was excellent between the sticks.

He made a number of saves to deny the likes of Alexandre Lacazette, but his distribution was also a major plus for Leeds fans. Whites supporters are now confident that Kiko Casilla has top-quality back-up in the form of the France Under-20 cap.

There is a permanent clause in his season-loan and after Monday’s performance, Meslier has done his chances of becoming a permanent signing no harm. He suggested that he wants to remain at Elland Road, claiming Leeds’ style of play is “perfect”.

“It’s different to how we play in France, in that it’s more box-to-box, more intense and more physical, but the style Leeds play is perfect for me. The way they allow me to play with the team and build from the back, I love it,” Meslier said.

TBR’s view – Leeds have got to activate clause and sign Meslier

For a player that has played regular senior football prior to his move to Elland Road, and one that has been linked with the likes of Chelsea and Monaco in the past for multi-million fees (Goal), Meslier seems particularly pleased to make his Leeds debut.

It remains to be seen how much that clause is worth, but given that he is happy to remain as Casilla’s back-up but also boasts the quality of a goalkeeper that could be good enough to start – Leeds have got to sign Meslier permanently.