Add as preferred source on Google

Jermaine Beckford has been discussing Leeds United’s goalkeeper Illan Meslier, who he believes is a “brilliant” talent that is only continuing to improve.

The 20-year-old is already a nailed-on starter in Marcelo Bielsa’s team after become the first-choice goalkeeper ahead of teammate Kiko Casilla and he’s started the new campaign in great form.

Meslier, who turned his loan move into a permanent one in the summer, has turned into a key figure at Elland Road with his consistent performances in net.

The French youngster has started the opening five games of the Premier League season and has caught the eye during his first ever taste of top-flight football in his career.

He’s a colossus shot-stopper that is commanding in the box on crosses and has great reflexes, plus he’s got to be considered one of the best goalkeepers in the division when it comes to playing out from the back.

Beckford is extremely excited about Meslier’s future at Leeds and was full of praise for him after his recent display in the 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

“I think he’s in the right place for all of us to find out,” Beckford responded when asked how good Meslier could become on the Doing A Leeds podcast.

“I think Bielsa has obviously seen something in him and he’s trusted him with the number one jersey. He’s established himself as Leeds United’s number one in the Premier League, which is the hardest football league in the world.

“He made so many good decisions [against Wolves] and great saves as well. He was brilliant. His shot-stopping abilities are brilliant. His distribution is great as well.

“You can see him growing in stature, in confidence as well. I think he’s going to be right up there, give him another three of four year I think he’ll be right up there.”

TBR’s View:

Many of the Leeds players would have been unknown to Premier League audiences before the start of the season, but Meslier is one of several that will now be on the radar of supporters.

The towering goalkeeper already looks such a mature player for such a young age and signing him for £5million (Yorkshire Evening Post) from Lorient looks like a genius piece of transfer business.

If he continues to improve at the rate he’s going, Leeds could have a long-term solution in net that has a great career ahead of him and a consistent goalkeeper is crucial in the Premier League.