Leeds United

Leeds United: Graham Smyth heaps praise on Illan Meslier

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Image for Leeds United: Graham Smyth heaps praise on Illan Meslier

Graham Smyth has been speaking on the latest edition of the Inside Elland Road podcast with Joe Urquhart about all things relating to Leeds United.

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Starting with an easy one what shirt number does Bamford wear for Leeds United?

One of the topics that he spent some time on was Illan Meslier after the 20-year-old recorded his fourth clean sheet in the Premier League against Everton and his 11th overall for the Whites in just 21 games.

After the match against the Toffees, the club put up a compilation of the saves that Meslier made in that game, and why not?

He was brilliant, earning an 8.41/10 rating for his performance.

One save from Abdoulaye Doucoure was particularly impressive, and it is no wonder that Smyth heaped praise on the Frenchman after this display.

He said: “He’s been great, hasn’t he?

“For a 20-year-old, for £5m, I mean Victor Orta – it feels almost illegal what he’s done getting a player of that quality at that age for £5m, remarkable business.”

Do you think Meslier has been a bargain?

Yes, what a signing

Yes, what a signing

No, he hasn't been that good

No, he hasn't been that good

TIF Thoughts on Meslier and Smyth’s view on him…

Meslier initially joined Leeds on loan and played second fiddle to Kiko Casilla, but after the Spaniard was banned for eight games, the 20-year-old was given his chance and played his role in seven clean sheets.

Since this season started, he has taken that number-one spot off Casilla, and apart from one dreadful display against Crystal Palace, he has been relatively solid this season.

The Whites made the deal for Meslier permanent in the last transfer window for just £5.85m, and judging on his performances so far; we have to say that it looks to be a bargain.

Certainly, if he keeps playing as he did against Everton, then we feel as if Leeds might have a special talent on their hands.

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