Leeds United: Pundit marvels at ‘miraculous’ Illan Meslier amid ‘perfect’ Huddersfield
Andy Hinchcliffe was awestruck as Illan Meslier pulled off a “miraculous” save before Huddersfield Town took the lead against Leeds United on Saturday 2 March.
The Whites made an unusually slow start to the Championship clash, taking just three shots in the first half, as per FotMob. However, a Jonathan Hogg red card would apply a major twist to the match as Patrick Bamford went on to make the score 1-1 in the second half.
Michal Helik opened the scoring as the clock ticked into first-half stoppage time, latching onto a set piece. But Hinchcliffe was just as impressed with the Leeds shot-stopper who tried his best to keep the effort out.
Speaking live via Sky Sports on Saturday (2 March, 1:15pm), he said: “Huddersfield have some giant players, but how about the quality of that delivery from Sorba Thomas? It’s perfect – in-swinging, pacey, beats the first man, and the keeper can’t come and deal with it.
“That’s why Meslier is pinned on his line, so they get first contact. It’s miraculous how Meslier keeps the ball out, but Michal Helik is on his toes.”
Could Illan Meslier be Leeds United’s saviour against Huddersfield Town?
The 24-year-old Frenchman has been an ever-present in Daniel Farke’s starting XI this season, starting 33 of the Whites’ 35 league matches so far.
Despite going 1-0 down to a late goal in the first half, the situation at John Smith’s Stadium could have been considerably worse if not for the ‘keeper.
He made four smart saves in the opening 45 minutes, denying efforts from Danny Ward and Jack Rudoni, keeping his side well in the game going into the second half.
Although he could not manage it against the Terriers, Meslier is in contention to keep the most clean sheets in the division, just one behind West Brom’s Alex Palmer currently.
That comes as no surprise, with Leeds boasting the best defensive record in the Championship this campaign, conceding 28 goals in 35 matches.
Of course, the immense centre-back partnerships in front of him have been a huge help, with Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, Pascal Struijk and Liam Cooper all playing their part, but Meslier has also been key.
In other Leeds news, Gary Lineker shares promotion verdict after what he saw this week.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.