As the season is approaching towards a tricky phase, Leeds United are showing firm control in their promotion battle. The race is undoubtedly hotting up among an array of Championship hotshots and the Whites, under Marcelo Bielsa, are determined to achieve direct entry to the Premier League this time after squandering it last season.
The gaffer banked on the youth during the summer transfer window as he loaned in three promising prospects in the form of Ben White, Eddie Nketiah and Illan Meslier. White has been a revelation at the back in succeeding Pontus Jansson. In contrast, Nketiah, the Arsenal loanee, has already earned cult status as a ‘super-sub’ having notched in 3 goals in 10 substitute league appearances.
Meslier’s Take On His Leeds Teammates
Meslier, on loan from Lorient, has hailed Nketiah for his impact and backed him to be a success in the forthcoming future.
“He’s very strong, he’s fast, he finishes well. He’s a really good player who can go even higher.”
Stated the 6 ft 6 in custodian while speaking exclusively to Goal.
Meslier, meanwhile, has been the understudy to veteran Kiko Casilla and is still waiting for his Leeds debut. But he has the utmost respect for the Spaniard and revealed (as cited by the Yorkshire Evening Post) how his presence is helping him develop as a keeper.
“I’m learning a lot with Kiko, 33, who has been to Real, three Champions Leagues, he’s an experienced keeper. Mentally, he is superior. He knows what to do on a lot of situations and I really take everything he gives me.”
Why Chances Might Be There For Meslier Pretty Soon
The 19-year-old was a regular between the sticks for Lorient. Yet he came out of his comfort zone to experience the essence of English football. Casilla has been majestic so far in goal, but the alleged racial abuse towards Charlton Athletic’s Jonathan Leko has led to a massive controversy. The FA charged him for using the N-word, and despite pledging his innocence vehemently, the former Real Madrid man has now been handed a deadline of November 27 to respond.
Players found guilty of aggravated breach of the FA’s discrimination rules face a minimum six-match ban which, however, might get increased based on further factors, as per the reporting from Daily Mail. This might be the jackpot for Meslier in the most inconvenient manner, but he must grab those opportunities and secure a long-term future in West Yorkshire.
