Former Leeds United goalkeeper Nigel Martyn has compared Illan Meslier to Iker Casillas, in terms of the career he could end up enjoying.

The Whites have enjoyed an excellent season back in the Premier League, with numerous individuals performing impressively.

The likes of Stuart Dallas, Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha all stand out, in that respect, but Meslier is another who has been an influential figure.

The 21-year-old Frenchman has been a model of consistently between the sticks, playing with a maturity beyond his years and thriving with the ball at his feet too, enjoying a 78 percent pass completion rate in the league this season.

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Martyn heaps praise on Meslier

Speaking to Leeds United News about Meslier, ex-England international Martyn tipped him to have similar success to former Real Madrid and Spain legend Casillas:

"Look at Iker Casillas at Real Madrid, he got into the team at an early age and look at the career he had. It is probably good for France going forward because he’s starting so young.

"Imagine how good he will be when gets to his late twenties, he might be on 300 or 400 games by then. With experience comes a better player.

"I think he has had a great season personally - but I don’t think I could look back on a season of mine where I haven’t made a mistake."

Transfer Tavern take

It is certainly massive praise from Martyn, but it is understandable to see the comparisons, considering Meslier is already flourishing at such a young age.

In fairness, Casillas was already playing in a Champions League final at a similar age, suggesting he was on another level still, but the Leeds hero has incredible potential and has been described as 'fearsome' by Tony Cascarino recently, praise which is evidenced by the fact he has missed just one league fixture this term and made the second-most saves in the league.

For now, he just needs to continue to shine for the Whites, adding to his 43 total appearances, but he looks like a future France No.1 in-waiting.

In other news, Leeds have been linked with a move for a hugely exciting winger - find out who it is here.