Illan Meslier shares what Lloris told him after Leeds loss to Spurs last season

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Illan Meslier has told The Athletic how he received words of encouragement from Hugo Lloris after Leeds United were beaten by Spurs in January last season.

Meslier looks to be one of the Premier League’s finest prospects. The 21-year-old enjoyed an outstanding first year at the highest level with Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Only four goalkeepers kept more clean sheets than Meslier. Meanwhile, just three made a greater number of saves.

Nevertheless, it was not all smooth sailing for the youngster. There were times when his readiness for such a prominent role was called into question.

As noted by The Athletic, one such occasion came after Leeds lost 3-0 away at Spurs at the start of the year.

That game pitted Meslier against his countryman in Lloris. Of course, the Spurs man has been the yardstick for all French goalkeepers for well over a decade.

And it seems that Lloris is excited for Meslier’s future as the latter shared what the Tottenham captain told him after that meeting in January.

He also reflected on what he will have to do to earn a call-up to the France senior squad.

“He just said he was very happy with how it was going for me,” he told The Athletic. “A big-up for him, because he’s a very nice person.

“To be called up by France, that could only come from here (from Leeds). I have to be performing for Leeds first and it’s down to me, myself. I don’t know about being No 1 for France… it’s possible.”

Leeds now under a little pressure to keep improving with players such as Meslier catching the eye

Leeds fans will need no reminding of the challenge that lies ahead for them. With inspired buys such as Meslier and Raphinha around, it looks imperative that they keep improving.

They were superb in their first year in the Premier League. And some of their players are surely catching the eye elsewhere.

The Athletic notes that Paris Saint-Germain had a little look at Meslier earlier this summer.

And with figures such as Lloris praising Meslier, Leeds will wary of taking any steps backwards in the coming years.