‘World-class’ – Robbie Savage drools over Leeds ace, claims Orta has snapped up a real ‘bargain’
Leeds United made it two wins from three and six points from their last two in the Premier League with a battling display over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
Patrick Bamford got the goal but Illan Meslier was awarded the Man of the Match in the BT Sport studio after pulling off a number of strong saves.
The one from a John Lundstram shot on the half-hour mark was simply sensational.
His performance didn’t go unnoticed and BT Sport pundit Robbie Savage was effusive in his praise for the youngster.
Talking on the live coverage of the game (BT Sport, midday), Savage said that the save was “world-class” and that Leeds had picked up a real bargain.
Talking of the save, Savage said, “It was world-class, I don’t think you’ll see much better in the Premier League this season.
“His performance was one of the best I’ve seen from a young keeper.
“This is the save here, Lundstram, it’s a good run, I think he’s got to open his body up and go for the other corner. Meslier has read the situation.
“It looks like he’s here to stay and at £5m, what a bargain!”
Another Orta gem
Meslier picked up the gloves when Kiko Casilla was banned for eight games for racist abuse.
Before that he’d only played one game for Leeds, in the FA Cup against Arsenal.
He impressed then but this was his best performance in a Leeds shirt by far.
We know his distribution is top-notch but against Sheffield United he showed that his shot-stopping skills can be right up there, too.
Strikers might get the plaudits but Leeds wouldn’t have won this game without Meslier’s saves and that game will give his confidence a massive boost.
His £5m price tag is looking like a real bargain and it’s more kudos for Victor Orta.
As for Leeds, it’s obviously early days but it’s so important not to get off to a bad start in the Premier League.
Leeds could easily have got something out of the game against Liverpool. As it is, they’re sitting in sixth, ahead of Frank Lampard’s Chelsea and the next game, against Man City, won’t be quite as daunting now.
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