If you thought that the international break meant that there was no club football to be played, then boy you were mistaken.
In fact, I’ll admit, this game took me by surprise a little bit if I’m honest.
Leeds United’s U23s continued their league campaign yesterday as they played out a 0-0 draw away to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Whilst there was news of first-team player Tyler Roberts making his return from injury, it was a new player in Illan Meslier that stole the headlines with his display in goal.
Having signed in the summer on a season-long loan from French side Lorient, the 19-year-old has got to make his opportunities count if he’s to stay at Elland Road beyond next summer, and judging by what the Leeds fans saw, he’s certainly well on his way to earning himself a permanent move.
Change kiko no?
— le boucher du 9_3⭐⭐ (@julienspiewek) September 10, 2019
Looking like a smart move to sell BPF
— stickeys honey (@stickeyshoney) September 10, 2019
Neuer has posters of meslier on his bedroom wall
— ????Ryan????LUFC????????⚪️ (@TGORyann) September 10, 2019
That boy is all limbs. I love it
— Whatever Happened to Tony Yeboah (@HappenedTony) September 9, 2019
That first one is insane
— Ash Ellis (@AshJEllis) September 9, 2019
Already a better shot stopper than kiko
— Ron (@ronaallleeds) September 9, 2019
Good to see him get some minutes on the pitch.
— Neilbus (@neilennis66) September 9, 2019
What a boy ????????
— Jop (@jopdaws) September 9, 2019
Now I’ve long been an advocate for Meslier to be given some minutes in the first team this season, however playing in the U23s is a fair compromise in my eyes so I’ll allow it. Although if he keeps putting up displays like this, then Kiko Casilla might just have to watch his back.