Tony Cascarino raves about Illan Meslier after Leeds draw with Chelsea

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Tony Cascarino has heaped praise on Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier in his weekly column for The Times, backing him to become France number one at some point in his career.

Meslier was in fine form at the weekend as Leeds held high-flying Chelsea to a goalless draw at Elland Road. The young stopper produced several good saves to further highlight his credentials.

The 21-year-old has played in all but one of Leeds’ 28 Premier League games this season. He missed the game against Brighton in January through illness but has otherwise been ever-present.

Meslier signed for the Whites on loan prior to the 2019/20 campaign, with Leeds choosing to make his move permanent a year late for £5 million.

He has proved a decent acquisition for Leeds with the former Lorient stopper now firmly established as the club’s primary goalkeeper.

Cascarino was impressed with him at the weekend and moved quickly to heap praise on the youngster.

He told The Times: “Few players in the Premier League have a more demanding job than Illan Meslier. In mastering Marcelo Bielsa’s high-octane style he is required to think quickly with his feet and under pressure.

“He has made a fair few mistakes but they haven’t knocked his confidence. If anything they have made him a better goalkeeper and with every passing week, he looks more assured.

“It’s exciting to think how good he could become. Meslier stands at 6ft 6in and still has a wiry frame. As he continues to develop his upper body strength, he will become an ever more fearsome presence in the box.

“I think we are looking at the future No.1 for the France national team.”

TBR View: Meslier proving his worth to Leeds

The young French custodian has been in fine form this season and given his tender years, there is more to come.

Meslier only made 10 appearances in the Championship last season as he played a large chunk of the season as second fiddle to Kiko Casilla.

Now he is firmly established as Bielsa’s number one, however, and has shown plenty of promise this season.

As Cascarino says there have been a few mistakes but largely he has proved a decent acquisition to the Leeds ranks.

Playing regularly will have done the £16,500-a-week stopper the world of good and the sky really is the limit when it comes to Meslier’s potential.