Leeds star who’s ‘got it all’ says he looked up to Tottenham player growing up

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Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier has spoken highly of Tottenham Hotspur counterpart Hugo Lloris.

Speaking to Premier League Uncut, the Whites stopper named the Spurs veteran in his dream five-a-side French team.

Lloris has effectively sealed his place in Tottenham folklore thanks to his efforts for Spurs over the past decade.

The 35-year-old joined Tottenham in August 2012 and has clocked up over 400 competitive appearances for Spurs.

Lloris captains both Tottenham and the France national team, winning the World Cup with Les Bleus in 2018.

Meanwhile, Meslier has made a huge name for himself since arriving at Elland Road from Lorient in 2019.

The 22-year-old initially joined Leeds on loan before signing permanently in summer 2020 for a reported £5million.

Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa was so impressed that he made him the youngest first-choice keeper in the Premier League.

And Meslier hasn’t disappointed, developing into a keeper worthy of being first-choice for a top-flight team.

Last year, Dominic Matteo wrote in the Yorkshire Evening Post: “When you look at players who would command a really high fee, Meslier has to be one. He’s got it all.”

Lloris himself has previously praised the Leeds keeper, telling RMC Sport: “When you look at what he’s doing at his age, in such a tough and intense league, it shows all his potential.”

“He’s a very good keeper”

Now, Meslier has reciprocated his fellow Frenchman’s praise, in conversation with Premier League Uncut.

“I choose Hugo Lloris,” he said, when asked to name the goalkeeper in his dream five-a-side French team .

“He played close to 10 years at Tottenham which is nice.

Played with different managers, and he’s still in goal. No doubt number one in the French team.

Meslier was then asked whether he looked up to Lloris when he was growing up.

“Yeah, of course,” he replied, saying he likes to “watch his game because he’s a good inspiration.

“He’s a very good keeper on the line, with brilliant reflexes, a lot of inspiration for keepers, it’s very important.”