A lot of Leeds United fans are heaping praise on Illan Meslier after an assured debut from the young goalkeeper against Arsenal in the FA Cup.
The 19-year-old was finally handed his first-team debut, and he impressed with his solid distribution of the ball and quick reflexes that saw him make four saves.
Who should start in goal for Leeds on Saturday?
Meslier
Casilla
He could do nothing about the Gunners’ winner as Reiss Nelson scuffed in a shot from six yards with Meslier on the floor. (2:40)
However, despite this, he impressed many Leeds fans.
? "It was unbelievable" @MeslierIllan discusses his debut against Arsenal, playing against former teammates, and thanks #LUFC fans for their messages
— Leeds United (@LUFC) January 8, 2020
He impressed me with his Distribution it was incredible.
— Samuel ???? (@Kaden98329883) January 8, 2020
Fantastic debut Illan, you looked like you have been playing in the first team all season. ALAW!
— Neil Corby (@Skyrider9100) January 8, 2020
What a game he had, the delivery of the ball to players was outstanding rather than just booting the ball up pitch for a 50/50 chance
— Simon James Berry (@Bezzagb10) January 9, 2020
Incredible how he pin pointed players out.. Top draw Meslier ?
— Robert Smith (@RobertS66021134) January 8, 2020
Going to be a top keeper.. for Leeds ?
— Smalesy (@shez_dictates) January 8, 2020
Some Whites supporters want Meslier to replace Kiko Casilla.
Meslier is the goalkeeper we need. Kiko thanks for everything. From Rosario’s birthplace of Marcelo Bielsa. To death with leeds.
— Germanest (@Germanest1) January 9, 2020
Sign him and bench Kiko… Well he’ll be in the stands soon anyway
— Simon ?? (@ElGaineseo) January 8, 2020
He was unbelievable too! Sign him up, starts Saturday for me
— Andrew Langridge (@ALangridge55) January 8, 2020
What do we think?
Meslier, who is valued at £4.5m by Transfermarkt, is on a season-long loan from Lorient and the Whites have an option to buy the 19-year-old for £5m.
On this evidence, they would be stupid not to sign him as the young Frenchman displayed a stunning range of passing that allowed Leeds to stay on the front foot.
Meslier played one pass in particular to Jack Harrison that was outstanding.
Of course, as a goalkeeper, his main aim is to keep the ball out of the net, and he made four saves to deny Arsenal any more goals.
Leeds might be without Kiko Casilla soon, and Meslier looks like he can be the perfect replacement.