Leeds starlet Illan Meslier included in Telegraph’s Project 2000 list

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Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier’s superb debut season in the Premier League has been recognised, with the 21-year-old named by The Telegraph in their Project 2000 piece naming the 30 brightest talents in Europe right now.

There was plenty of intrigue surrounding Meslier heading into this term. He only enjoyed his first run in the Leeds side towards the end of the last campaign.

However, with Marcelo Bielsa’s side largely strolling to promotion, the Frenchman was not called into action too often. And thus, it seemed to be a gamble to make him their number one ahead of their top flight return.

But Meslier has stepped up. According to FBRef, only Sam Johnstone has made a greater number of saves this season.

Some of those stops have been world-class. The save from John Lundstram at Sheffield United proved pivotal as Leeds secured a late win.

Meanwhile, his latest display saw Meslier produce two amazing stops at Fulham. Once again, the Whites were particularly grateful as the winning margin proved to be just one goal.

And his development has seen him included in The Telegraph’s list. The 30 players have been picked from those born after the turn of the Millennium.

Meslier sits at number 29, which is no mean feat in a list headed by Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland. He is the eighth highest player plying his trade in the Premier League this season.

It is also noted that he is the only goalkeeper included – just another reminder that Leeds appear to have an incredibly special talent on their hands.