Jesse Marsch has praised Illan Meslier’s ‘massive potential’ after the Leeds United goalkeeper pulled off a string of outstanding saves in the 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa. The Whites lost the second game of their pre-season tour of Australia courtesy of a Danny Ings penalty in a match overshadowed by the worrying sight of Archie Gray being stretchered off in tears.
Sunday morning’s friendly was anything but, with historical needle between the two sides reignited amid a host of rash challenges and questionable refereeing. Gray was forced off after a strong tackle from John McGinn, whose Villa side won two penalties for handball.
Danny Ings slotted home the eventual winner from the spot following Leif Davis’ failed attempts to pretend the ball hit his face, but it could have been more were it not for Meslier’s intervention. The 22-year-old palmed out Phillipe Coutinho’s first-half penalty and then spread his 6ft 4in frame to block the rebound, before getting another strong hand to Ollie Watkins’ effort minutes later.
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And Whites boss Marsch had high praise for the young stopper who sat beside him in the post-match press conference, praising his ‘massive potential’ and adding he needs to become a ‘leader and a rock’ within the squad.
"Since I’ve been here, I’ve seen him in a short time grow a lot.” Marsch said. “We know that he is a big goalkeeper with massive potential. I think he continues to find his presence within the group. He’s very likeable but we also need him to be a rock and a leader within the team.
“He’s relishing this moment. I think he’s been really sharp all pre-season and I’ve been really excited to have him on the pitch and playing a 90-minute match, so I thought it was a really good game for him.”
Meslier will have been happy to kick pre-season off on such a strong foot following an inconsistent and stressful 2021/2022 campaign. The young stopper conceded 79 goals in the Premier League last season - 17 more than second-placed Tim Krul of Norwich - and kept just five clean sheets.
But he has silenced any early doubts about his inexperience, and the France under-21 international admitted it is always nice to save a penalty.
“It was nice. It was a good feeling.” Meslier said with a wry smile. “Even if it’s only a friendly game, to make a penalty save and then another save on Coutinho is good. I’m happy to help the team and I want to be ready for the start of the season.”
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