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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Considering Jack Clarke’s lack of game time this season it’s perhaps rather bizarre that Leeds signed Illan Meslier.
The former has been the victim of a rule that prevents the Whites from including more than five loan players in a given matchday squad.
The 18-year-old has missed out behind Meslier, that’s despite Marcelo Bielsa having a goalkeeper like Kamil Miazek at his disposal.
But Leeds must clearly see something in the Lorient loanee, especially given the club’s option to buy him.
However, the teenager has yet to play a single minute for the first-team.
On the chalkboard
Meslier’s arrival at Elland Road was rather understated. This was a 19-year-old arriving with little pedigree but huge promise after being linked with Chelsea and Monaco in the past.
It was incredibly strange that he didn’t feature in the Carabao Cup as instead Kiko Casilla was still trusted in goal.
But his performances for the U23 side must be giving Bielsa plenty of food for thought, especially after his display this week.
Meslier is a tall goalkeeper standing at 6 foot 6 and it’s that colossal frame that put him to good use against Crystal Palace on Monday.
The Frenchman was in top form as he made a string of important saves that kept Leeds in the game as they ultimately drew 0-0 and kept a clean sheet.
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He made a sprawling save to his right-hand side as well as getting high to his left to deny an effort that was heading for the far corner.
Not only that but he also saved a penalty, his second stop from 12 yards since arriving at Elland Road.
It was a performance that looked way above the level he was playing at and should surely have Bielsa thinking more closely about when he’ll play for the senior side.
At the moment Casilla is the undisputed number one but there is only so long you can give Meslier at youth level.
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