Leeds United: Fans laud Illan Meslier after debut performance in loss to Arsenal

Leeds United fans have been lauding Illan Meslier after the 19 year-old ‘keeper’s performance in his debut for the club.

The Frenchman was making his first appearance for the club since he joined the club on-loan from Ligue 2 side Lorient.

He was playing so well one fan reckoned the player was the ‘Toni Kroos of goalkeepers’.

The Toni Kroos of goalkeepers so good was his passing

— James Marshment (@marshyleeds) January 6, 2020

Meslier’s passing was of the highest quality as he ended the night with a distribution rate of 82.1% and completed 11 of his 17 long passes he attempted (via LUFC Data).

With the Gunners coming on strong in the second half, the Lorient-loanee was made to work in the Leeds goal as he made three saves to ensure the Whites conceded just the one goal (via WhoScored).

Fans were over the moon with the debut of the youngster as they took to Twitter to lavish him with praise for his performance against the Premier League side.

Here is a selection of tweets from the Elland Road faithful:

So impressed with this lad. Incredible distribution as well.

— Micky P Kerr (@MickyPKerr) January 6, 2020

Brilliant performance, only beaten by a scruffy goal. Looked impressive, great all round team performance, if only took our chances 1st half. Let’s get the main job done, another striker in & promotion here we go. MOT. #alaw.

— Mark Lazell (@LazellMark) January 6, 2020

Very encouraging debut, from Meslier, I was very concerned before tonight, if Kiko was to get injured or suspended or even banned, now not in the least worried. This guy is a very good keeper with great distribution

— brian mcmahon (@bpmcm) January 6, 2020

Illan meslier take a bow son! What a performance#ARSLEE #LUFC pic.twitter.com/bEcEEMzamq

— LEEDS UNITED SHOUTOUTS 💙💛 (@LUFCFollowBoost) January 6, 2020