Joe Roberts

Thu 21 September 2023 9:10, UK

Illan Meslier has sent Leeds United teammate Pascal Struijk a two-word message after the Whites’ goalless draw away to Hull City.

Taking to Instagram (21 September) Meslier, the shot-stopper at the MKM Stadium shared his well-wishes and appreciation for the Whites’ starting centre-back in a comment on Struijk’s social media post.

In a clash Daniel Farke would have been eager to take all three points from, Leeds managed just a 0-0 encounter (20 September), but the action-packed affair had everything but a goal.

Meslier said: “Class bro”.

Appreciation

Daniel Farke would have left the MKM Stadium fuming that his men could not secure all three points. Missed sitters, red cards and late drama all led to literally nothing, as the away support took the 0-0 back and a single point home to Yorkshire with them.

Struijk, unlike his dismissed centre-back partner Joe Rodon, has a memorable encounter against the Tigers, earning himself a crucial clean sheet – Leeds’ third in a row in the Championship.

Per SofaScore, the Belgian-born defender managed 93% pass completion, three accurate long balls, two tackles and an interception, making Meslier’s praise of the former Ajax man warranted.

The former Dutch youth international worked hard throughout the clash, with Farke noting his side’s defensive resistance. As quoted by Leeds Live (21 September), Farke said of his defence: “I was pretty pleased with how well structured we are at the moment, how good and committed we work against the ball.”

Struijk was a key force behind this committed defensive display, but Meslier managed to keep the Hull City forwards at bay with some vital catches and punches from his penalty area.

While Farke will be frustrated with his side’s attacking display in Hull on Wednesday night, he can rest easy knowing his back line is kept a crucial clean sheet.

In other Leeds United news, Daniel Farke surely has the last laugh as footage of a £20m+ player has emerged over the past week.