Leeds United confirm they want the 'next Illan Meslier' in official update
Leeds United have confirmed they are looking for the “next Illan Meslier” by holding trials for aspiring academy goalkeepers.
The Whites are aiming to recruit boys of the under-9s to under-13s age groups, with the event taking place at Thorp Arch next month.
Leeds currently sit joint-top for goals conceded in this season’s Premier League, level with Bournemouth on 63.
“Could you be our next Illan Meslier?” according to the official Leeds United website.
“Leeds United Academy will be holding open trials for aspiring goalkeepers on Saturday 13 May 2023. The purpose of the event is to potentially recruit any promising players to our Academy system.”
Under-fire
Meslier has proved in recent seasons that he is superb potential to be a top-class goalkeeper, but perhaps he will even admit that he has been nowhere near his best this season.
At 23, he is still very young and has a lot to learn, but too many mistakes have crept into his game lately, with his stuttering displays summarising a frustrating season overall for his club.
The Whites need players to step up in these worrying times, and while he isn’t the most senior player in the squad, he is now into his fourth season at Elland Road and understands the situation well enough to be able to deal with it better than others.
It remains uncertain what lies ahead for the Frenchman, who will no doubt be targeted by other clubs should Leeds drop down to the Championship, such is his potential to become better with age.
But for now, all his time and efforts should be spent on ensuring relegation is avoided, with the goalkeeper’s busy time on the pitch set to continue in the weeks to come.