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Chris Watson

Illan Meslier gets seal of approval from Leeds United legend who makes telling comparison

Illan Meslier has been given the seal of approval by Leeds United legend Nigel Martyn.

Meslier has emerged as Marcelo Bielsa's first-choice goalkeeper this season, getting the nod ahead of Kiko Casilla.

The 20-year-old was on loan at Leeds last season, making 11 appearances in all competitions during the promotion-winning campaign.

He made the move from Lorient in his native France permanent over the summer and has played all 15 Premier League matches so far this term.

Beren Cross on Leeds United's defensive display

The French youth international kept his fifth clean sheet in the top flight on Sunday as Leeds beat Burnley 1-0 at Elland Road.

He had previously shut out Sheffield United, Aston Villa, Arsenal and Everton.

Leeds answered some of their critics against Burnley, having conceded 13 goals in the previous four outings.

You could see how much it meant to the players as Meslier was mobbed by his team-mates in celebration at the final whistle.


Leeds have now collected 20 points and are pushing towards the top half of the table.

And Martyn - who made 273 appearances for the Whites between 1996 and 2003 - has been impressed by the team's young stopper.

The 54-year-old said on Twitter: "People asking me about @MeslierIllan. I think he’s doing a tremendous job, (the Burnley game) is what being a goalie in the Premier League is all about and he dealt with it all."

Martyn attached an old photograph to the post to highlight Meslier's progress as such a young age.

He added: "For context this is me at roughly the same age. Cornwall senior cup winners."

Martyn, who also played for Everton, Crystal Palace and Bristol Rovers, made 372 Premier League appearances in total and kept 137 top flight clean sheets.

   
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