---
title: "Leeds: Paddy Kenny hails Illan Meslier"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-paddy-kenny-hails-illan-meslier/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Leeds United"
published: "2021-04-11T06:40:32Z"
modified: "2021-04-11T06:40:32Z"
---

# Leeds: Paddy Kenny hails Illan Meslier

**Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has hailed Illan Meslier, tipping him to play in the biggest games in club football in the future.**

The 21-year-old is proving to be a hugely successful signing for the Whites, having [joined](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53517752) permanently from Lorient last summer, initially shining on loan during 2019/20.

Meslier played his part in Marcelo Bielsa’s side being promoted to the Premier League last season and has [started 30](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/380580/History/Illan-Meslier) of his team’s 31 top-flight matches this time around.

\[freshpress-quiz id=“351040″\]

### Kenny heaps praise on Meslier

Someone who knows a thing or two about what makes a good ‘keeper is Kenny, who enjoyed a long and successful career, having spells with Leeds and Sheffield United, among numerous others.

Speaking to [*Football Insider*](https://www.footballinsider247.com/paddy-kenny-leeds-united-keeper-meslier-is-so-incredible/), the ex-Whites man hailed Meslier’s quality, claiming he will end up playing in the latter stages of the Champions League one day:

> “I remember watching him against Sheffield United and he made some of the best saves I’ve seen all season at 0-0. The potential is there.
>
> “He’s one who could get to that level of playing Champions League semi-finals and finals in the future.
>
> “To be playing Premier League standard at that age is impressive. I didn’t turn pro until I was 20 and they’re playing Premier League standard at that age. I didn’t even have a goalie coach until I was 25.
>
> “I got to where I got through natural ability. I wouldn’t have been linked with PSG though. More likely GHD now my hair’s gone curly.”

### Transfer Tavern take

For Meslier to already be such a key man in the Premier League at 21, especially for a ‘keeper, says so much about his long-term potential.

He has been a vital player ever since becoming first-choice between the sticks under Bielsa – he is [second in the top flight in saves](https://www.premierleague.com/stats/top/clubs/saves) behind only Sam Johnstone – and he should only get better as he matures with age.

The hope is of course that Leeds continue to build so much as a team that Meslier is playing for them in the Champions League in the future, not a giant like PSG as Kenny suggests.

***In other news, Leeds have been linked with a move for one Premier League star – find out who it is [here](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-transfer-rumours/leeds-whites-linked-with-stunning-move-for-sergio-aguero/).***