‘I’ve challenged him’: Marsch says 22-year-old Leeds United player is too quiet, he wants him to become a leader

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Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch thinks goalkeeper Illan Meslier is too quiet and has challenged him to become a leader.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Marsch heaped praise on Meslier’s performance against Wolves on Sunday but revealed that he wants the 22-year-old to become more vocal on the pitch. 

Leeds got off to a winning start against Bruno Lage’s side on Saturday and Meslier put in an excellent display between the sticks.

But Marsch still feels there’s an area of his game that needs to be worked on and thinks new signing Joel Robles can help with it. 

“The role for Joel is to really help support Illan [Meslier] and Kris [Klaesson] but to compete with them and push them,” Marsch told the Yorkshire Evening Post. 

“Obviously, our belief in Illan is at the highest level and even with the performance he had against Wolves it says everything.

“I think he’s grown a lot, I’ve challenged him to become more of a leader and a vocal presence.

“I think a guy like Joel can help him. The goal is to have Kris as the No. 2 but he has to earn it. I think it’s healthy competition.”

Marsch thinks Meslier is too quiet

At just 22, Meslier is still very young for a goalkeeper but has shown plenty of promise during his two seasons in the Premier League.

Since making the switch from FC Lorient back in 2019, Meslier has been ever-present between the sticks for Leeds and is one of the best young shot stoppers in the league.

As the France U21 international gains more experience, he will undoubtedly grow in confidence and become a more vocal presence in the Leeds backline.

It’s brilliant that Marsch is challenging the Whites shot stopper and it will only benefit his development under the American boss.

Meslier now faces increased competition for the number one jersey after the signing of experienced goalkeeper Robles and the young Frenchman can definitely learn from the veteran this season.