Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has called goalkeeper Illan Meslier the best in the league after the 23-year-old’s heroics against Leicester City. With the Whites moments away from a statement victory over the runaway leaders, Meslier was on hand to claw out Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s back-post header as the Foxes man looked destined to score.
Farke’s side had taken the lead when Georginio Rutter stabbed home a rebound just before the hour mark. Despite the hosts seeing more of the ball, Leeds were good value for the win with Dewsbury-Hall’s header the only shot on target for Enzo Maresca’s men.
Meslier had been an ever-present in the Leeds goal since replacing Kiko Casilla as number one in 2020 until a dip in form saw previous manager Sam Allardyce looked to the experience of Joel Robles in last season’s failed survival battle. This campaign, new boss Farke is keen to help his goalkeeper recapture his best form.
“He can be any goalkeeper at one point, he’s still unbelievably young,” said the German. “He had a difficult spell at times last season, especially for a young goalkeeper, but then it is important to play with confidence.
“For the way we want to play, I know he has the skills to play out from the back and also needs to build a bit of confidence with us, but his potential is outstanding and never in doubt. My feeling is that he just needs rhythm and confidence and this is what he gains. He is also crucial for six clean sheets, a really good defensive behaviour, also for our build-up.”
Despite being at fault for Huddersfield Town’s consolation goal in last weekend’s derby win, the French youth international showed his class at the King Power with that stunning save, and then the leadership and calmness to demand focus from his players to see out the result.
When the experienced Karl Darlow was brought in over the summer, fans anticipated Meslier to be the next out of the door amid interest from La Liga side Celta Vigo. A Spanish switch never materialised though, and Darlow has seen his game time limited to Carabao Cup appearances.
“It’s not a decision against Karl who is an outstanding character and also a proven goalkeeper on this level,” Farke continued. “I am so happy to have both of them, but the potential of Illan is just massive. When you have a diamond like him you have to back him, especially when a young player can’t play without mistakes is quite normal, but especially a goalkeeper needs backing.
“If he produces a performance like this, we are on the right path. He’s still not completely playing without a mistake, the last home game was probably not his best one, but if I judge his games so far, I think he is excellent and the best goalkeeper in the league.”
