Leeds United: Ilia Gruev raves about ‘great’ Illan Meslier after what he did v Stoke City
Ilia Gruev has raved about what Illan Meslier did for Leeds United in their victory over Stoke City on Tuesday (5 March).
Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds after the game on Tuesday (via BBC Sport, 10:24pm), the Bulgarian international said the 24-year-old keeper made a “great save” in the last minute as he helped the Whites secure a 1-0 win over the Potters.
The 23-year-old said his side need the Frenchman in those situations as he stressed how important it was to have picked up three points in their bid for promotion at Elland Road.
“It was a very difficult game, we started very well and in the first half we had to score a few more goals,” said Gruev. “The second half was a wild game, from left to right, left to right. We have to keep the ball better and be better in possession, not let the opponent have so many chances or be in our half.
“It’s a difficult game, we only had a one-nil lead and we have to be there, quick in the head because one action and it could be a draw.
“In the last minute, we had a great save from Illan [Meslier], we need him in those situations. It’s important, we drew the last game so today it was important to win. Doesn’t matter by how much, we had to win.”
Illan Meslier contribution vital for Leeds United
It was a vital contribution from Meslier in the final moments of the game as he made a big save to ensure Leeds secured all three points against Stoke.
There is no doubt that Daniel Farke would have liked it to be a slightly more comfortable evening for his side, but the victory is all that really matters.
The keeper will be delighted to pick up another clean sheet as he took his tally for the season up to 16 as the Whites boast the best defensive record in the Championship.
Their strength at the back and Meslier’s expertise in between the sticks could be massive in their pursuit of promotion this season.
While the goals the forwards score at the end other end are going to determine whether or not they win matches, keeping things tight at the back will be equally as important in helping them achieve their ambitions.
In other Leeds United news, footage has emerged of what one Whites star did in a controversial incident against Huddersfield.
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