Pranav Shahaney

Thu 23 March 2023 18:47, UK

Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier surely would’ve been disappointed at being omitted from the France squad once again.

Didier Deschamps decided to bring in some new players into his squad for the upcoming Euro qualifiers and opted to go with former Nottingham Forest ace Brice Samba.

Samba, who currently plies his trade at Lens, was understood to be below Meslier in the pecking order but has still got the call up ahead of him.

Meslier has made five more saves than him all season and just because he’s at a weaker team in terms of the league, he’s not getting the recognition.

The Leeds keeper may not be having the best season at Elland Road, but he’s only 23 and recently became the youngest goalie to make 100 Premier League appearances.

He’s also claimed more crosses (351) to Samba’s 280 and has attempted 20 more defensive actions outside his penalty area than the Lens stopper.

He’s performing at the highest level at such a young age and is the perfect modern-day goalkeeper as he’s incredible at sweeping as well as playing with his feet.

He may not have been an ideal shot stopper this season but a lot of it has to do with how much the defence has been changed in front of him.

One argument for his absence would be that the France FA want him to play under-21s football until Euro u-21 later this year.

He’s understood to be their best young keeper in that age group and will be the number one for that tournament.

It’s very likely that a good showing in that will leave Deschamps with no choice but to include him as the third choice.

While Meslier fuming right now could be understandable, in the long run, it could be a decision that benefits him.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites may have yet another injury concern going into the international break as player has trouble with his left ankle after the Wolves win.

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