Leeds United: Adam Pope cannot believe what Illan Meslier has done in ‘ridiculous’ development
Adam Pope believes the clean sheet record Illan Meslier has racked up at Leeds United is “ridiculous” following his great form this season.
Speaking on BBC Radio Leeds’ Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet podcast on Monday (18 March), the journalist said it’s now nine clean sheets in 12 games for the 24-year-old French keeper after his shut-out against Millwall on Sunday (17 March).
He admitted that he never feared the Lions were going to get anything from the game against the Whites as Daniel Farke’s side secured a 2-0 victory at Elland Road.
“It never felt like it was going to get away from them,” said Pope. “There was a little moment when I thought, ‘It could go 1-1 here’ but the way they handled the game was superb. They just didn’t get involved in that fight.
“If this season goes the way we want it to go, that sort of game is the one where you think, ‘Yes, this side knows exactly what they are doing, the manager knows exactly what he is doing, and they are really mature and know how to go about it’.
“At no point did I really fear for them. This clean sheet record is ridiculous now – I think it’s nine in the past 12 games for [Illan] Meslier.”
Illan Meslier key to Leeds United great form
There have been so many positives surrounding a number of Leeds players over the past few months, but what Meslier is doing is right up there.
The keeper has now kept 18 clean sheets in 39 appearances during this campaign, with several of those coming in this calendar year.
There was a major question mark over whether he would remain at Elland Road this season after being linked with a move away from the club.
But the Frenchman remained in West Yorkshire and has managed to fight off competition from the experienced Karl Darlow for a first-team spot.
There is no doubt that Meslier will be crucial in whatever happens in the Whites promotion push over the next few weeks as he looks to add to his already impressive clean sheet record.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are ready to sell a midfielder for £10.3million after what he told the media.
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.