Leeds United: Fans were pleased with what they saw from Illan Meslier in Under-23 draw

Leeds United’s Under-23 side got their campaign underway on Monday afternoon as they hosted Millwall at Thorp Arch.

FULL TIME: The U23s started their season with a dramatic 3-2 win over Millwall, as Bogusz sealed the victory with the last kick of the game

— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 19, 2019

Carlos Corberan’s side were crowned winners of the Professional Development League last season and their defence of the title appeared to start off in good form.

The Whites named a rather strong side for the opener, with the likes of Illan Meslier, Ezgjan Alioski, Helder Costa, Jamie Shackleton and Jack Clarke all starting the game whilst Gaetano Berardi, Mateusz Bogusz and Eddie Nketiah were all on the substitutes’ bench (via the club’s official Twitter account).

Pascal Struijk got things going for Leeds just before the interval before Nketiah doubled their lead shortly after the break.

Millwall pulled one back when they had the opportunity to score from the penalty spot, though it required the resulting rebound as Meslier appeared to save the ball and push it against the post.

Just minutes later the visitors were level, but Bogusz scored a brilliant free-kick from distance with the last kick to give Corberan’s side the all-important three points.

Fans managed to get highlights of the goals via the club’s official Twitter account and it appears some of them were impressed with what they saw from their young goalkeeper on the day.

As mentioned, Meslier, who joined on loan from Lorient on a season-long loan with the view to a permanent deal, managed to get a hand on the penalty and produced a fine save, although he was unfortunate that it cannoned off the post and back into the path of the Millwall player.

The 19-year-old has been tipped for a bright future in the game in the past by former coach Stephane Le Garrec, whilst he also attracted the interest of Chelsea previously.

Here are just some of the reactions left by fans…

Cracking initial save.

— HungryDuck (@LUFCPATRIOT69) August 19, 2019

Shame as was a cracking save

— kathleen williams (@miffy0811_a) August 19, 2019

Right save that tho in all fairness

— bensharp1846 (@bensharp1846) August 19, 2019

Alioski played first half and did well, Stevens did well but Illan Meslier I think is going to be a huge star and a great keeper. Dominant, brave, fantastic distribution, great shot stopping and saved a penalty at full stretch but rebound off the post back to a striker to slot

— Doc Esq…. (@333doc1) August 19, 2019

you can definitely see why city were purportedly interested in signing meslier, great with his feet and solid in goal, beaten only by a rebound and a lapse in marking.

— (@ellandread) August 19, 2019