Illan Meslier set to start for France U-21s
Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier has been handed a major boost in his quest to become France U-21s number one.
Due to Nantes’ Ligue 1 relegation play-off, Alban Lafont has pulled out of France’s U-21 Euro squad – making Meslier the next in line to start, believes LeedsLive reporter Joe Donnohue.
Throughout his youth career, the Whites shot-stopper has played second-fiddle to Lafont, who is widely tipped to be Hugo Lloris’ long-term successor for Les Bleus.
Meslier, who wants to claim that position for himself, hasn’t been given the opportunity, making only 12 junior appearances over three different age groups. [TransferMarkt]
Lafont, on the other hand, has played 14 games for the U-21s alone while also making 23 appearances over different age groups. He’s also been their first choice for the ongoing U-21 European Championships.
Time to prove his worth
Lafont’s been their first-choice keeper since 2019 because he’s gained experience of being a number one top-flight goalkeeper since his teenage days.
He was Toulouse’s main keeper aged 17, and the moulding at that age has earned him rave reviews in France.
However, if this season is any indicator, Meslier is equally capable of handling the pressure. The Leeds goalkeeper seems unfazed in any situation and has become Bielsa’s undisputed number one – usurping Kiko Casilla.
Having joined on loan last season with an option to buy, the Frenchman did enough to convince the club that he was worth taking the punt and throughout his debut Premier League campaign, he has been our first choice.
He’s also earned the reputation of being a ‘fearsome’ keeper and Tony Cascarino believes he will be the France number one instead of Lafont. [The Times]
While one game won’t be enough to silence the critics, it will go a long way in proving just good he is and why he should be starting over Lafont.
Outside France, all the buzz has been around Meslier and he’s already seen as one of the best young goalkeepers on the block and is only going to get better with time.
In other Leeds United news, Leeds fans will be buzzing as ‘Magnificent’ Whites star handed Euro call-up