‘Proper world class’: Sky pundit says £5m Leeds star has been ‘on fire’ this season

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Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier has been praised by Sky Sports pundit Ben Foster, who said the Whites ace has been “on fire” and has often made “proper world-class saves”.

The 20-year-old has made a huge name for himself since joining Leeds initially on loan before being signed permanently last summer, becoming the Premier League’s youngest first-choice goalkeeper.

Meslier, who reportedly cost the Whites £5million, has been entrusted with the first-team gloves at Elland Road and has played all but one of Leeds’ Premier League games this campaign.

The Frenchman has had a lot of work to do, with Leeds’ swashbuckling style of play sometimes proving a double-edged sword and leaving them vulnerable to opposition attacks, but he has done incredibly well.

“I’ve watched a few games of him this season, and he doesn’t strike you as a big strong kind of goalie does he?” Foster said on Sky Sports (13 February, 9:35am).

“He looks sort of skinny and sort of fragile. But honestly, he is flying, some of the saves he’s been making. World-class saves, proper world-class saves.

“His first season in the Premier League as well, he’s been on fire.

“Leeds as well with their style of play, he’s going to have stuff to do and he’s going to be busy. He’s pulled out the saves and he’s kept a few clean sheets as well.”

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Considering Meslier is just 20, and also bearing in mind how many shots he’s had to face, he’s done really well so far this season, showing he’s more than capable of playing in the Premier League.

He has come under criticism at times but the number of goals conceded doesn’t tell the full story.

The signs so far are very promising and he’s already performing like an established goalkeeper for the only promoted side not battling relegation at present.